New Delhi [India], February 11 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched an extensive EVM and VVPAT awareness campaign across poll-bound states and the Union Territory of Puducherry, including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, to familiarize voters with the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units.
According to an ECI press note, more than 1.20 lakh electors participated in EVM demonstration camps at EVM Demonstration Centers (EDCs) across the five states and Union Territory, and over 1.16 lakh electors cast mock votes during these demonstrations. As of February 10, more than 29,000 polling station locations have been covered by Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs).
The campaign is being conducted through EVM Demonstration Centers and Mobile Demonstration Vans in a structured and time-bound manner, the Commission said. EDCs have been operationalized at district election officer headquarters as well as at returning officer and revenue sub-division offices across the five states and Union Territory.
“The EVM/VVPAT awareness campaign is aimed at enhancing voter confidence by providing hands-on experience with the machines, clarifying doubts regarding their functioning, and ensuring complete transparency in the electoral process. Through physical demonstration centers and mobile outreach, the Commission seeks to reach voters across urban and rural areas alike,” the poll body said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting transparent elections and said it will continue to intensify voter awareness initiatives in the coming days.
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer on Tuesday announced a revised schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process following a Supreme Court order.
The CEO stated that hearings on notices will be completed by February 14, review of documents and disposal of claims by February 21, rationalization of polling stations by February 25, and health parameter checks by February 27. The final electoral roll will be published on February 28.
The revision follows a Supreme Court judgment granting a one-week extension for publication of the final electoral roll under the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision exercise in West Bengal. (ANI)
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