By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, MAY 11, 2013: THE Election Commission of India yesterday held a meeting with recognised National and State Political Parties for demonstration of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the EVM as was desired by some parties in the meeting held with the Commission on 4th October, 2010, to further enhance voters’ satisfaction. Following this, the Commission decided to refer this issue to the Technical Expert Committee for detailed examination through a process of wide consultation.
On orders of the Commission, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited, Hyderabad (ECIL) developed a prototype of VVPAT system. This prototype VVPAT system was examined by the Technical Experts Committee. The Committee held consultations with political parties, Civil Society organizations and manufacturers of EVMs on 23rd December, 2010, and also saw demonstration of the prototype VVPAT system.
First field trial of VVPAT was conducted in Thiruvanantpuram, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Cherapunji and Leh in the month of July 2011 in the presence of all stakeholders including political parties, civil society organizations and media. This was given wide advance publicity for information and wider participation by the common voter in general.
On analysis of the results of the first field trial, it was found that certain improvements were required in the VVPAT system before it could be considered for use in an election. The Commission asked the EVM manufacturers to carry out these improvements.
Manufacturers of EVMs have since made several important changes and have produced an improved prototype. The Technical Experts Committee recommended that it should be tested in the field once again at the same places where the first field trial of VVPAT was held. Accordingly, the second filed trial of prototype VVPAT systems was held in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Leh, Jaisalmer and Cherapunjee, once again in the presence of all stakeholders including political parties, civil society organizations and media. The Commission gave wide publicity for information and wider participation by the common voter in general, in July-August, 2012.
On analysis of the results of the second field trial, it was found that some further improvements were still required in the VVPAT system before it could be considered for use in an election. Accordingly the Commission asked the EVM manufacturers to fine tune the design further.
The Technical Expert Committee in its meeting held on 19th February, 2013 finally approved the design of VVPAT system.
The Commission decided to demonstrate this approved design of VVPAT to all the recognised political parties before its actual phased use in the field.
The VVPAT system was demonstrated before the representatives of the political parties who expressed satisfaction while making brief suggestions which will be considered by the Expert Committee and the Commission.
Some Political Parties brought other issues like ‘Criminalisation of Politics’, ‘Use of Money Power in Elections’ and ‘Paid News’ during the meeting.
Later in another session, Commission held a meeting with a number of individuals and groups including Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, Dr. Omesh Saigal, Mr. V. V. Rao, Mr. G V L. Narsimha Rao & others who have been engaged with the Commission over the past years regarding the functioning of the EVM. The VVPAT was demonstrated to them and their questions were answered. Those attending the meeting expressed satisfaction over the VVPAT and requested that this may be taken forward expeditiously.
