EVM VVPAT Manual July2018
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Manual on
Electronic Voting Machine and
VVPAT
July 2018
Document 2 - Edition 3
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
Website : www.eci.nic.in, Tel. : 011-23052205, Fax : 011-23052219
“No voter to be left behind”
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
“No voter to be left behind”
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FOREWORD
The use of Electronic Vong Machines has revoluonised the Electoral
SystemandintroduconofVoterVeriablePaperAuditTrailsystemhasprovided
greatertransparencytothepollprocess.
This is the 3rdEdionofManualonElectronicVongMachineandVVPAT,
whichhasbeenrestructuredinviewofthe100%useofVVPATswithEVMsandto
familiarizethereaderswiththegenesisoftheElectronicVongMachine,Process
of its Development, Procurement, Storage and legal provisions. On the other
side this manual contains all important instrucons on use of Electronic Vong
MachinesandVoterVeriablePaperAuditTrail,makingitusefulhandbookonthe
subjectfortheElectoralmachineryhandlingtheElectronicVongMachinesand
VoterVeriablePaperAuditTrailsystem.
Itishopedthatthismanualwillproveusefultoalleleconrelatedocials
and other stakeholders. The Commission would welcome suggesons from all
usersofthiscompendiumformakingitmoreinformaveanduseful.
EleconMaterialsDivision
EleconCommissionofIndia
July,2018
New Delhi
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MANUAL ON EVMs AND VVPATs
INDEX
Sl. No. Contents Pages
1. Chapter–1:INTRODUCTION 1-4
2. Chapter–2:FLOWCHART 5-7
3. Chapter–3:LEGALPROVISIONFORTHEUSEOFEVMs&
VVPATs
8-25
4. Chapter–4:STORAGEOFEVMsANDOPENINGOFEVM-
WAREHOUSE
26-37
5. Chapter–5:FIRSTLEVELCHECKINGOFEVMs&VVPATs(FLC) 38-48
6. Chapter–6:FIRSTRANDOMIZATIONOFEVMs 49-50
7. Chapter–7:SECONDRANDOMIZATIONOFEVMs 51-52
8. Chapter–8:PRREPARATIONOFEVMs(CANDIDATESET)&
VVPAT
53-57
9. Chapter–9:INSTRUCTIONSONDISPERSALOFEVMsAND
VVPATs
58
10. Chapter–10:INSTRUCTIONSTOZONAL/SECTOR/AREA
OFFICERSREGARDINGEVMs
59-60
11. Chapter–11:VOTINGCOMPARTMENTTOBEUSEDIN
POLLINGSTATIONS
61-62
12. Chapter–12:INSTRUCTIONSONUSEOFEVMsINPOLLING
STATIONS
63
13. Chapter–13:MOCKPOLLONTHEDAYOFPOLL 64-68
14. Chapter–14:DURINGACTUALPOLL 69-71
15. Chapter–15:INSTRUCTIONSONEVMINCASEOFREPOLL 72
16. Chapter–16:INSTRUCTIONSRELATINGTOCOUNTING 73-83
17. Chapter–17:DISPOSALOFEVMs 84-85
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18. Chapter–18:TECHNICALEXPERTCOMMITTEEONEVMs&
VVPATs
86-87
19. Chapter–19:EVMTRACKINGSOFTWARE(ETS) 88-89
20. Chapter–20:VARIOUSTYPESOFSEALSUSEDFORSEALING
EVMs&VVPATs
90-97
21. Chapter–21:REPAIRINGOFDEFECTIVEEVMs&VVPATs 98-100
22. Chapter–22:IMPORTANTJUDGEMENTS 101-103
23. Chapter–23:PRESENTATIONONCREDIBILITYOFEVMsAND
VVPATs
104-127
24. Chapter–24:LAYOUTOFPOLLINGSTATION 128
25. Chapter–25:DO’sANDDON’TsONUSEOFVVPAT 129
26. Chapter–26:EXAMPLESOFCRITICALMISTAKES 130-131
27. ANNEXURES(1-30) 132-191
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1
INTRODUCTION
The Electronic Vong Machine (EVM), the replacement of the ballot
boxis mainstayintheelectoralprocess.Firstconceivedin 1977 in theElecon
Commission, the Electronics Corporaon of India Ltd. (ECIL), Hyderabad was
assignedthetasktodesignanddevelopit.In1979aproto-typewasdeveloped,
whichwasdemonstratedbytheEleconCommissionbeforetherepresentaves
ofpolicalpareson6thAugust,1980.TheBharatElectronicLtd.(BEL),Bangalore,
anotherpublic-sectorundertaking,wasco-optedalongwithECILtomanufacture
EVMsonceabroadconsensuswasreachedonitsintroducon.
First me use of EVMs occurred in the general elecon in Kerala in May,
1982;however,theabsenceofaspeciclawprescribingitsuseledtotheSupreme
Courtstrikingdownthatelecon.Subsequently,in1989,theParliamentamended
theRepresentaonof thePeopleAct,1951 tocreateaprovisionfortheuseof
EVMsintheelecons(chapter3).Ageneralconsensusonitsintroduconcouldbe
reachedonlyin1998andthesewereusedin25LegislaveAssemblyconstuencies
spread across three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. Its use
was further expanded in 1999 to 45 Parliamentary Constuencies and later, in
February2000,to45AssemblyConstuenciesoftheHaryanaAssemblyelecons.
In the State Assembly elecons, held in May 2001,in the states of Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, Pondicherry and West Bengal, the EVMs were used in all the Assembly
Constuencies. Since then, for every State Assembly elecon, the Commission
hasusedtheEVMs.In2004,intheGeneralElecontotheLokSabha,theEVMs
(morethanonemillion)wereusedinall543ParliamentaryConstuenciesinthe
country.
AnEVMconsistsoftwounits,namely,ControlUnit(CU)andBallongUnit
(BU) with a cable (5 mt. long) for connecng the both. A Ballong Unit caters
upto16candidates.TherearenumberofvariantsavailablefortheEVMs.Time-
to-me,it has evolvedand hasbecomemorerobust.In case of pre-2006(M1)
andpost-2006EVMs(M2),4(Four)BallongUnitscanbecascadedtogetherto
accommodate upto a maximum of 64 candidates (including NOTA), which can
be used with one Control Unit. In case of upgraded post-2006 EVMs (M3), 24
(TwentyFour)BallongUnitscanbecascadedtogethercateringto384candidates
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(includingNOTA)whichcanbeusedwithoneControlUnit.Itrunsonapowerpack
(Baery)having7.5volts.IncaseofM3EVM,powerpacksareinsertedin5th,9th,
13th,17th&21stBallongUnits,ifmorethan4BUsareconnectedtoaControl
Unit.OntherightsideoftheBUalongthecandidates’votebuon,digits1to16
areembossedinBraillesignageforguidanceofvisuallyimpairedelectors.
Control Unit
The design and applicaon of EVMs in the elecons are considered a
signicantachievementinglobaldemocracy.It has broughtmoretransparency,
swiness, and acceptability in the system. It has also helped in creang a vast
poolofeleconocialswellversedinitsuse.Initsevoluon,theCommissionhas
issuedseriesofinstrucons,frequentlyaskedquesons,andtechnicalguidelines.
Duringthisperiodanumberofjudicialpronouncementshasalsohelpedinmaking
theEVMsanintegralcomponentofourelectoralsystem.
VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT)
Ina meengofall policalparesheld on4thOctober,2010,thepares
expressedsasfaconwiththeEVMbutsomeparesrequestedtheCommission
toconsiderintroducingVoterVeriablePaperAuditTrailforfurthertransparency
andveriabilityinpollprocess.TheCommissionreferredthemaertoitsTechnical
Expert Commiee on EVMs for examining and making a recommendaon
in this regard. The Expert Commiee had several rounds of meengs with the
manufacturersofEVM,namely,BEL&ECIL,onthisissueandthenhadmetthe
policalparesandothercivilsocietymemberstoexplorethedesignrequirement
oftheVVPATsystemwiththeEVM.
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On the direcon of the Expert Commiee, the BEL and ECIL made a
prototypeanddemonstratedbeforetheCommieeandtheCommissionin2011.
OntherecommendaonoftheExpertCommieeonEVM&VVPATsystem,the
Commission conducted simulated elecon for the eld trial of VVPAT system
in Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Cherrapunjee
(Meghalaya), EastDelhi District(NCT of Delhi) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)inJuly
2011.Allstakeholdersincludingseniorleadersofpolicalparesandcivilsociety
membersparcipatedandwitnessedenthusiascallyintheeldtrial.Aer1steld
trialoftheVVPATsystem,CommissionmadeadetailedreassessmentoftheVVPAT
system to further ne tune the VVPAT system. Accordingly, the manufacturers
developed2ndversionofVVPATprototype.Thesamewasagainsubjectedto2nd
eldtrialinthesaidvelocaonsinJuly-August2012.
InthemeengoftheTechnicalExpertCommieeheldon19.02.2013,the
CommieeapprovedthedesignofVVPATandalsorecommendedtheCommission
totake acon on amendmentoftherulesforusing VVPAT.TheGovernmentof
IndianoedtheamendedConductofEleconsRules,1961on14thAugust,2013,
enablingtheCommissiontouseVVPATwithEVMs.TheCommissionusedVVPAT
withEVMsrstmeinbye-eleconfrom51-Noksen(ST)AssemblyConstuency
ofNagaland.Thereaer,VVPATshavebeenusedinselectedconstuenciesinevery
elecontoLegislaveAssembliesand8ParliamentaryConstuenciesinGeneral
ElecontotheHouseofthePeople-2014.
Facts on VVPAT:
ControlUnitVSDUPrinter(VVPAT)BallongUnit
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VoterVeriable PaperAudit Trailis anindependentsystemaachedwith
the Electronic Vong Machines that allows the voters to verify that their votes
arecastas intended.When avoteiscast,aslipisprintedonthe VVPATprinter
containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate and remains
exposedthroughatransparentwindowfor7seconds.Thereaer,thisprintedslip
automacallygetscutandfallsinsealeddropboxoftheVVPAT.
VVPATconsistsofaPrinterandaVVPATStatusDisplayUnit(VSDU).VVPAT
runsonapowerpack(Baery)of22.5volts.ControlUnitandVSDUarekeptwith
thePresidingOcer/PollingOcerandBallongUnitandPrinterarekeptinthe
vongcompartment.
This Manual on EVMs is an important milestone in documentaon as
it brings all previous instrucons and guidelines on a single plaorm for beer
readability.Dividedin26 chapters,itdetailslegalframework,seriesofchecking,
randomizaon, storage instrucons, seng of EVMs (with VVPAT), mock poll
instrucons,counnginstrucons,frequentlyaskedquesons,judicialdecisions,
andearlierreferences.
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STANDARD SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING/POLL GOING STATES
1 2
AllocaonofEVMs/VVPATsbyECI PollGoneC+30
OrderingofconsumablesLOI PollGoneC+30
DispatchfromDonorStates PollGoneC+60
ReceiptatBorrowerStates P-120
FLCstart P-90
FLCcompleon P-51
1stRandomizaonofEVMs/VVPATs P-21
2ndRandomizaonofEVMs/VVPATs P-14
HandingoverofDefecveEVMs/VVPATtomanufacturers
forrepair
C+60
CompleonofRepairs C+90
P = Poll day
C = Counting day
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3.1 The Electronic Vong Machines were used for the rst me during the
GeneralElecontotheKeralaLegislaveAssemblyheldfromParurAssembly
ConstuencyinMay,1982at50pollingstaons.Thereaer,thesemachines
wereusedintenotherconstuenciesin1982-83.
Aer1983,theEVMscouldnotbeused,asintheEleconAppealarisingout
oftheeleconpeonrelangtotheuseofthemachinesintheelecon
fromParurAssemblyConstuencyinKerala,theSupremeCourtruledthat
thereshouldbespecicprovisionin thelawprovidingforuseofEVMsin
elecons.
Thereupon, the Elecon Commission of India recommended to the
GovernmentofIndiatoamendthelawsuitablytoprovidelegalsanconfor
theuseofEVMs.
InDecember,1988anewsecon61AwasinsertedintheRepresentaonof
thePeopleAct,1951,empoweringtheEleconCommissionofIndiatouse
ElectronicVongMachinesinelecons,whichreadsasunder-
“61A.Vongmachines at elecons.—Notwithstandinganythingcontained
inthisActortherulesmadethereunder,thegivingandrecordingofvotesby
vongmachinesinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed,maybeadoptedin
suchconstuencyorconstuenciesastheEleconCommissionmay,having
regardtothecircumstancesofeachcase,specify.”
Explanaon.—Forthepurposeofthissecon,"vongmachine"meansany
machineorapparatuswhetheroperatedelectronicallyorotherwiseusedfor
givingorrecordingofvotesandanyreferencetoaballotboxorballotpaper
inthisActortherulesmadethereundershall,saveasotherwiseprovided,
beconstruedasincludingareferencetosuchvongmachinewhereversuch
vongmachineisusedatanyelecon.
TheSupremeCourt upheld the validityoftheaboveprovisioninAllIndia
Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam v/s. Chief Elecon Commissioner and
others[2002(UJ)(1)387]
[NOTE:IncaseofanydiscrepancykindlyreferManualofEleconLaws]
THEREPRESENTATIONOFTHEPEOPLEACT,1951
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9
.—
(a) anyballotboxusedatapollingstaonorataplacexedforthepoll
isunlawfullytakenoutofthecustodyofthepresidingocerorthe
returningocer,orisaccidentallyorintenonallydestroyedorlost,
orisdamagedortamperedwith,tosuchanextent,thattheresultof
thepollatthatpollingstaonorplacecannotbeascertained;or
[(aa)
anyvongmachinedevelopsamechanicalfailureduringthecourse
oftherecordingofvotes;or]
(b) anysucherroror irregularityin procedureasis likelytoviatethe
polliscommiedatapollingstaonorataplacexedforthepoll,
thereturningocershallforthwithreportthemaertotheElecon
Commission.
(2) Thereupon the Elecon Commission shall, aer taking all material
circumstancesintoaccount;either—
(a) declarethepollatthatpollingstaonorplacetobevoid,appointa
day,andxthehours,fortakingafreshpollatthatpollingstaonor
placeandnofythedaysoappointedandthehourssoxedinsuch
mannerasitmaydeemt,or
(b) ifsasedthattheresultofafreshpollatthatpollingstaonorplace
will not, in any way, aect the result of the elecon or that 5[the
mechanicalfailureofthevongmachineor]theerrororirregularity
inprocedureisnot material,issue suchdireconstothe returning
ocerasitmaydeemproperforthefurtherconductandcompleon
oftheelecon.
(3) TheprovisionsofthisActandofanyrulesorordersmadethereundershall
applytoeverysuchfreshpollastheyapplytotheoriginalpoll.]
NotwithstandinganythingcontainedinthisActortherulesmadethereunder,
thegivingandrecordingofvotesbyvongmachinesinsuchmannerasmay
beprescribed,maybeadoptedinsuchconstuencyorconstuenciesasthe
EleconCommissionmay,havingregardtothecircumstancesofeachcase,
specify.
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Explanaon.—Forthepurposeofthissecon,"vongmachine"meansany
machineorapparatuswhetheroperatedelectronicallyorotherwiseusedfor
givingorrecordingofvotesandanyreferencetoaballotboxorballotpaper
inthisActortherulesmadethereundershall,saveasotherwiseprovided,
beconstruedasincludingareferencetosuchvongmachinewhereversuch
vongmachineisusedatanyelecon.]
.—
[(1)] Whoevercommitsanoenceofboothcapturingshallbepunishable
withimprisonmentforatermwhich6[shallnotbelessthanoneyearbut
which may extend to three years and with ne, and where such oence
is commied by a person in the service of the Government, he shall be
punishablewithimprisonmentforatermwhichshallnotbelessthanthree
yearsbutwhichmayextendtoveyearsandwithne].
Explanaon.— For the purposes of 7[this sub-secon and secon 20B],
"boothcapturing"includes,amongotherthings,alloranyofthefollowing
acvies,namely:—
(a) seizureofapollingstaonoraplacexedforthepollbyanyperson
orpersons,makingpollingauthoriessurrendertheballotpapersor
vongmachinesanddoingofanyotheractwhichaectstheorderly
conductofelecons;
(b) takingpossessionofapollingstaonoraplacexedforthepollby
anypersonorpersonsandallowingonlyhisortheirownsupporters
toexercisetheirrighttovoteand6[preventothersfromfreeexercise
oftheirrighttovote];
(c) 8[coercing or inmidang or threatening directly or indirectly] any
elector and prevenng him from going to the polling staon or a
placexedforthepolltocasthisvote;
(d) seizure of a place for counng of votes by anyperson or persons,
making the counng authories surrender the ballot papers or
vongmachinesandthedoingofanythingwhichaectstheorderly
counngofvotes;
(e) doingbyanypersonintheserviceofGovernment,ofalloranyofthe
aforesaidacviesoraidingorconnivingat,anysuchacvityinthe
furtheranceoftheprospectsoftheeleconofacandidate.]
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(2) Anoencepunishableundersub-secon(1)shallbecognizable.]
.—
(1) TheCentralGovernmentmay,aerconsulngtheEleconCommission,by
nocaonintheOcialGazee,makerules1forcarryingoutthepurposes
ofthisAct.
(2) Inparcular,andwithoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheforegoingpower,
suchrulesmayprovideforalloranyofthefollowingmaers,namely:—
[(a) theformofadavitundersub-secon(2)ofsecon33A;]
[(aa)] theduesofpresidingocersandpollingocersatpollingstaons;
[(aaa) theformofcontribuonreport;]
(b) thecheckingofvotersbyreferencetotheelectoralroll;
[(bb) themannerofallocaonof equitablesharingofmeonthecable
televisionnetworkandotherelectronicmedia;];
(c) themannerinwhichvotesaretobegivenbothgenerallyandinthe
caseofilliteratevotersorvotersunderphysicalorotherdisability;
(d) themannerinwhichvotesaretobegivenbyapresidingocer,polling
ocer,pollingagentoranyotherperson,whobeinganelectorfora
constuencyisauthorisedorappointedfordutyatapollingstaon
atwhichheisnotentledtovote;
(e) theproceduretobefollowedinrespectofthetenderofvotebya
person represenng himself to be an elector aer another person
hasvotedassuchelector;
[(ee) the manner of giving and recording of votes by means of vong
machinesand the procedureas tovongtobe followedatpolling
staonswheresuchmachinesareused;]
(f) the procedure as to vong to be followed at elecons held in
accordancewiththesystemofproporonalrepresentaonbymeans
ofthesingletransferablevote;
(g) thescrunyandcounngofvotesincludingcasesinwhicharecount
ofthevotesmaybemadebeforethedeclaraonoftheresultofthe
elecon;
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[(gg) theprocedureastocounngofvotesrecordedbymeansofvong
machines;]
(h) the safe custody of 3[ballot boxes, vong machines], ballot papers
andothereleconpapers,theperiodforwhichsuchpapersshallbe
preservedandtheinspeconandproduconofsuchpapers;
[(hh) thematerialtobesuppliedbytheGovernmenttothecandidatesof
recognisedpolicalparesatanyelecontobeheldforthepurposes
ofconstungtheHouseofthePeopleortheLegislaveAssemblyof
aState;]
(i) anyothermaerrequiredtobeprescribedbythisAct.
[(3) EveryrulemadeunderthisActshallbelaidassoonasmaybeaer
itismadebeforeeachHouseofParliamentwhileitisinsessionfora
totalperiodofthirtydayswhichmaybecomprisedinonesessionor
[intwoormoresuccessivesessions,andif,beforetheexpiryofthe
sessionimmediatelyfollowingthesessionorthesuccessivesessions
aforesaid,bothHousesagreeinmakinganymodicaonintherule
or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made,] the rule
shallthereaerhaveeect onlyinsuchmodiedformorbe ofno
eect,asthecasemaybe;so,however,thatanysuchmodicaon
orannulmentshallbewithoutprejudicetothevalidityofanything
previouslydoneunderthatrule.].
Conduct of Elecons Rules, 1961 (Statutory Rules and Order)with
ConductofElecons(Amendment)Rules,2013
VongbyElectronicVongMachines&EVMswithVVPATs
.—
Every electronic vong machine (hereinaer referred to as the vong
machine)shallhaveacontrolunitandaballongunitandshallbeofsuch
designsasmaybeapprovedbytheEleconCommission.
.
.—
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(1) Theballongunitofthevongmachineshallcontainsuchparcularsandin
suchlanguageorlanguagesastheEleconCommissionmayspecify.
(2) Thenamesofthecandidatesshallbearrangedontheballongunitinthe
sameorderinwhichtheyappearinthelistofthecontesngcandidates.
(3) Iftwoormorecandidatesbearthesamename,theyshallbedisnguished
bytheaddionoftheiroccupaonorresidenceorinsomeothermanner.
(4) Subjecttotheforegoingprovisionsofthisrule,thereturningocershall—
(a) x the label containing the names and symbol of the contesng
candidatesintheballongunitandsecurethatunitwithhissealand
thesealsofsuchofthecontesngcandidatesortheireleconagents
presentasaredesirousofaxingthesame;
(b) setthenumberofcontesngcandidatesandclosethecandidateset
seconinthecontrolunitandsecureitwithhissealandthesealsof
suchofthecontesngcandidatesortheireleconagentspresentas
aredesirousofaxingthesame;
i. loading in the printer the serial numbers and names of candidates
andsymbolsalloedtothemasgivenontheballongunitsunder
clause(a);
ii. loadingpaperintheprinter;and
iii. sealingtheprinterinsuchmannerasmaybedirectedbytheElecon
Commission”.
.—
(1) Outsideeachpollingstaonthereshallbedisplayedprominently—
(a) anocespecifyingthepollingarea,theelectorsofwhichareentled
tovoteatthepolling staonand, when thepolling areahas more
thanone pollingstaon,the parcularsoftheelectorssoentled;
and
(b) acopyofthelistofcontesngcandidates.
(2) Ateachpollingstaonthereshallbesetuponeormorevongcompartments
inwhichtheelectorscanrecordtheirvotesfreefromobservaon.
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14
(3) Thereturningocershallprovideateachpollingstaononevongmachine
and copies of relevant part of the electoral roll and such other elecon
materialasmaybenecessaryfortakingthepoll.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-rule (3), the returning ocer
may, with thepreviousapprovaloftheElecon Commission, provideone
common vong machine for two or more polling staons located in the
samepremises.
* * * * *
.—
(1) Thecontrolunitandballongunitofeveryvongmachineusedatpolling
staonshallbearalabelmarked
with—
(a) theserialnumber,ifany,andthenameoftheconstuency;
(b) theserialnumberandnameofthepollingstaonorstaonsasthe
casemaybe;
(c) theserialnumberoftheunit;and
(d) thedateofpoll.
(2) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding ocer
shalldemonstratetothepollingagentsandotherpersonspresentthatno
votehasbeenalreadyrecordedinthevongmachineanditbearsthelabel
referredtoinsub-rule(1),
.
(3) Apapersealshallbeusedforsecuringthecontrolunitofthevongmachine,
andthepresidingocershallaxhisownsignatureonthepapersealand
obtainthereon the signatureof such ofthe polling agentspresentasthe
desirousofaxingthesame.
(4) Thepresidingocershallthereaerxthepapersealsosignedinthespace
meantthereforeinthecontrolunitofthevongmachineandshallsecure
andsealthesame.
(5) Thesealusedforsecuringthecontrolunitshallbexedinsuchmannerthat
aertheunithasbeensealed,itisnotpossibletopressthe“resultbuon”
withoutbreakingtheseal.
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15
(6) Thecontrolunitshallbeclosedandsecuredandplacedinfullviewofthe
presidingocerandthepollingagentsandtheballongunitplacedinthe
vongcompartment.
(7)
* * * * *
.—
(1) Beforeperminganelectortovote,thepollingocershall—
(a) record the electoral roll number of the elector as entered in the
markedcopyoftheelectoralrollinaregisterofvotersinForm17A.
(b) obtainthesignatureorthethumbimpressionoftheelectoronthe
saidregisterofvotes;and
(c) markthenameoftheelectorinthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll
toindicatethathehasbeenallowedtovote:
(d) givedetailsofthedocumentproducedbytheelectorinproofofhis/
heridencaon.]
Providedthatnoelectorshallbeallowedtovoteunlesshehashis
signatureorthumbimpressionontheregisterofvoters.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2) of rule 2, it shall be
necessaryforanypresidingocerorpollingoceroranyotherocerto
aestthethumbimpressionoftheelectorontheregisterofvoters.
(1) Everyelectorwhohasbeenpermiedtovoteunderrule49Lshallmaintain
secrecyofvongwithinthepollingstaonandforthatpurposeobservethe
vongprocedurehereinaerlaiddown.
(2) Immediately on being permied to vote the elector shall proceed to the
presiding ocer or the polling ocer in-charge of the control unit of the
vongmachinewhoshall,bypressingtheappropriatebuononthecontrol
unit,acvatetheballongunit;forrecordingofelector'svote.
(3) Theelectorshallthereaerforthwith—
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16
(a) proceedtothevongcompartment;
(b) recordhisvotebypressingthebuonontheballongunitagainst
thenameandsymbolofthecandidateforwhomheintendstovote;
and
(c) comeoutofthevongcompartmentandleavethepollingstaon:
(4) Everyelectorshallvotewithoutunduedelay.
(5) Noelectorshallbeallowedtoenterthevongcompartmentwhenanother
electorisinsideit.
(6) If an elector who has been permied to vote under rule 49L or rule 49P
refusesaerwarninggivenbythepresidingocertoobservetheprocedure
laiddowninsub-rule(3)ofthesaidrules,thepresidingocerorapolling
ocerunderthedireconofthepresidingocershallnotallowsuchelector
tovote.
(7) Whereanelectorisnotallowedtovoteundersub-rule(6),aremarktothe
eect that vong procedure has been violated shall be made against the
elector'snameintheregisterofvotersinForm17Abythepresidingocer
underhissignature.
-
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17
(ii) obtainthesignatureorthumbimpressionofthatelectoragainstsuch
remarks;and
(iii) makenecessaryentriesregardingsuchtestvoteinitem5inPartIof
Form17C.
(1) Ifthepresidingocerissasedthatowingtoblindnessorotherphysical
inrmiesanelectorisunabletorecognisethesymbolontheballongunit
ofthevongmachineorunabletorecordhisvotebypressingtheappropriate
buon thereon without assistance the presiding ocer shall permit the
elector to take with him a companion of not less than eighteen years of
agetothevongcompartmentforrecordingthevoteonhisbehalfandin
accordancewithhiswishes:Providedthatnopersonshallbepermiedto
act as the companion of more than one elector at any polling staon on
thesameday:Providedfurtherthatbeforeanypersonispermiedtoact
asthecompanionofanelectoronanydayunderthisrulethatpersonshall
berequiredtodeclarethathewillkeepsecretthevoterecordedbyhimon
behalfoftheelectorandthathehasnotalreadyactedasthecompanionof
anyotherelectoratanyotherpollingstaononthatday.
(2) ThepresidingocershallkeeparecordinForm14Aofallcasesunderthis
rule.
![](asset-17.png)
18
.—
(1) Thepresidingocermaywheneverheconsidersitnecessarysotodo,enter
thevongcompartmentduringpollandtakesuchstepsasmaybenecessary
toensurethattheballongunitisnottamperedorinterferedwithinany
way.
(2) Ifthepresidingocerhasreasontosuspectthatanelectorwhohasentered
the vong compartment is tampering or otherwise interfering with the
ballong unit or has remained inside the vong compartment for unduly
longperiod,heshallenterthevongcompartmentandtakesuchstepsas
maybenecessarytoensurethesmoothandorderlyprogressofthepoll.
(3) Wheneverthepresidingocerentersthevongcompartmentunderthis
rule,heshallpermitthepollingagentspresenttoaccompanyhimiftheyso
desire.
.—
The presiding ocer shall close a polling staon at the hour xed in that
behalfundersecon56andshallnotthereaeradmitanyelectorintothe
pollingstaon:
Providedthatall electorspresentatthe pollingstaonbeforeit is closed
shallbeallowedtocasttheirvotes.
Ifanyquesonariseswhetheranelectorwaspresentatthepollingstaon
before it was closed it shall be decided by the presiding ocer and his
decisionshallbenal.
.—
(1) Thepresidingocershallatthecloseofthepollprepareanaccountofvotes
recorded in Form 17C and enclose it in a separate cover with the words
‘AccountofVotesRecorded’superscribedthereon.
(2) Thepresidingocershallfurnishtoeverypollingagentpresentattheclose
ofthepoll a true copyofthe entriesmadeinForm17Caerobtaininga
receiptfromthesaidpollingagentthereforeandshallaestitasatruecopy.
.—
(1) Assoonaspraccableaertheclosingofthepoll,thepresidingocershall
closethecontrolunittoensurethatnofurthervotescanberecordedand
shalldetachtheballongunitfromthecontrolunit
![](asset-18.png)
19
.
(2) The control unit and the ballong unit
shall thereaer be sealed, and secured separately in such manner as the
EleconCommissionmaydirectandthesealusedforsecuringthemshallbe
soaxedthatitwillnotbepossibletoopentheunitswithoutbreakingthe
seals.
(3) Thepollingagentspresentatthepollingstaon,whodesiretoaxtheir
seals,shallalsobepermiedtodoso.
(1) Thepresidingocershallthenmakeintoseparatepacket,—
(a) themarkedcopyoftheelectoralroll;
(b) theregisterofvotersinForm17A;
(c) thecovercontainingthetenderedballotpapersandthelistinForm
17B;
(d) thelistofchallengedvotes;and
(e) anyotherpapersdirectedbytheEleconCommissiontobekeptina
sealedpacket.
(2) Eachpacketshallbesealedwiththesealofthepresidingocerandwiththe
sealeitherofthecandidateorofhiseleconagentorofhispollingagent
whomaybepresentatthepollingstaonandmaydesiretoaxhisseal
thereon.
.—
(1) The presiding ocer shall then deliver or cause to be delivered to the
returningoceratsuchplaceasthereturningocermaydirect,—
(a) thevongmachine;
(b) theaccountofvotesrecordedinForm17C;
(c) thesealedpacketsreferredtoinrule49U;and
(d) allotherpapersusedatthepoll.80
(2) The returning ocer shall make adequate arrangements for the safe
transport of the vong machine, packets and other papers for their safe
custodyunlthecommencementofthecounngofvotes.
![](asset-19.png)
20
.—Wherethepresiding
ocerisofopinionthatboothcapturingistakingplaceatapollingstaon
orataplacexedforthepoll,heshallimmediatelyclosethecontrolunitof
thevongmachinetoensurethatnofurthervotescanberecordedandshall
detachtheballongthatfromthecontrolunit.]
(1) Ifthepollatanypollingstaonisadjournedundersub-secon(1)ofsecon
57,theprovisionofrules49Sto49Vshall,asfaraspraccable,applyasif
thepollwasclosedatthehourxedinthatbehalfundersecon56.
(2) Whenanadjournedpollisrecommendedundersub-secon(2)ofsecon
57,theelectorswhohavealreadyvotedatthepollsoadjournedshallnotbe
allowedtovoteagain.
(3) Thereturningocershallprovidethepresidingocerofthepollingstaon
atwhichsuchadjournedpollisheld,withthesealedpacketcontainingthe
markedcopyoftheelectoralroll,registerofvotersinForm17Aandanew
vongmachine.
(4) The presiding ocer shall open the sealed packet in the presence of the
polling agents present and use the marked copy of the electoral roll for
markingthenamesoftheelectorswhoareallowedtovoteattheadjourned
poll.
(5) Theprovisionsofrule28andrules49Ato49Vshallapplyinrelaontothe
conductofanadjournedpollbeforeitwassoadjourned.
.—
Inrelaontothecounngofvotesatapollingstaon,wherevongmachine
hasbeenused,—
theprovisionsofrules50to54andinlieuofrules55,56and57,thefollowing
rulesshallrespecvelyapply,namely:—
‘55C.Scrunyandinspeconofvongmachines.—
(1) Thereturningocermayhavethecontrolunitsofthevongmachinesused
atmorethanone pollingstaontakenupforscrunyandinspeconand
votesrecordedinsuchunitscountedsimultaneously.
(2) Beforethevotesrecordedinanycontrolunitofvongmachinearecounted
undersub-rule(1),thecandidateorhiseleconagentorhiscounngagent
![](asset-1a.png)
21
presentatthecounngtableshallbeallowedtoinspectthepapersealand
suchothervitalsealsasmighthavebeenaxedontheunitandtosasfy
themselvesthatthesealsareintact.
(3) Thereturningocershallsasfyhimselfthatnoneofthevongmachines
hasinfactbeentamperedwith.
(4) Ifthereturningocerissasedthatanyvongmachinehasinfactbeen
tamperedwith,heshallnotcountthevotesrecordedinthatmachineand
shallfollowtheprocedurelaiddowninsecon58,orsecon58Aorsecon
64A,asmaybeapplicableinrespectofthepollingstaonorstaonswhere
thatmachinewasused.
56C. Counngofvotes.—
(1) Aerthereturningocerissasedthatavongmachinehasinfactnot
beentamperedwith,heshallhavethevotesrecordedthereincountedby
pressing the appropriate buon marked "Result" provided in the control
unitwherebythetotalvotespolledandvotespolledbyeachcandidateshall
bedisplayedinrespectofeachsuchcandidateonthedisplaypanelprovided
forthepurposeintheunit.
(2) Asthevotespolledbyeachcandidatearedisplayedonthecontrolunit,the
returningocershallhave,—
(a) the number of such votes recorded separately in respect of each
candidateinPartIIonForm17C;
(b) PartIIofForm17C completedin other respectsandsignedbythe
counng supervisor and also by the candidates or their elecon
agentsortheircounngagentspresent;and
(c) corresponding entries made in a result sheet in Form 20 and the
parcularssoenteredintheresultsheetannounced.
(1) Whereprinterforpaper trailis used, aerthe entriesmade in theresult
sheetareannounced, anycandidate,orinhisabsence,hiseleconagent
oranyofhiscounngagentsmayapplyinwringtothereturningocerto
![](asset-1b.png)
22
counttheprintedpaperslipsinthedropboxoftheprinterinrespectofany
pollingstaonorpollingstaons.
(2) Onsuchapplicaonbeingmade,thereturningocershall,subjecttosuch
generalorspecialguidelines,asmaybeissuedbytheEleconCommission,
decidethemaerandmayallowtheapplicaoninwholeorinpartormay
rejectinwhole,ifitappearstohimtobefrivolousorunreasonable.
(3) Everydecisionofthereturningocerundersub-rule(2)shallbeinwring
andshallcontainthereasonstherefor.
(4) Ifthereturningocerdecidesundersub-rule(2)toallowcounngofthe
paperslipseitherwhollyorinpartorparts,heshall-
(a) do the counngin themanner as maybe directedbythe Elecon
Commission;
(b) if there is discrepancy between the votes displayed on the control
unitandthecounngofthepaperslips,amendtheresultsheetin
Form20asperthepaperslipscount;
(c) announcetheamendmentssomadebyhim;and
(d) completeandsigntheresultsheet.”
57C. Sealingofvongmachines.—
(1) Aertheresultof vong recordedin acontrolunit has beenascertained
candidate-wiseandenteredinPartIIofForm17CandForm20underrule
56C,thereturningocershallresealtheunitwithhissealandthesealsof
suchofthecandidatesortheireleconagentspresentwhomaydesireto
axthesealsthereonsohoweverthattheresultofvongrecordedinthe
unitisnotobliteratedandtheunitretainsthememoryofsuchresultand
.
(2) The control unit and the paper slips so sealed shall be kept in specially
prepared boxes on which the returning ocer shall record the following
parculars,namely:—
(a) thenameoftheconstuency;
(b) theparcularsofpolling staonor staonswherethe controlunit
hasbeenused;
![](asset-1c.png)
23
(c) serialnumberofthecontrolunit;
(d) dateofpoll;and
(e) dateofcounng.’;
(ii) theprovisionsofrules60to66shall,sofarasmaybe,applyinrelaon
tovongbyvongmachinesandanyreferenceinthoserulesto,—
(a) ballotpapershallbeconstruedasincludingareferencetosuchvong
machine;91
(b) anyruleshallbeconstruedasareferencetothecorrespondingrule
inChapterIIofPartIVor,asthecasemaybe,torule55Cor56Cor
57C].
92. Custodyofballotboxesandpapersrelangtoelecon-
(1A) Allvongmachinesusedataneleconshallbekeptinthecustodyofthe
concerneddistricteleconocer.
(2) Thedistricteleconocershallkeepinsafecustody-
* * * * *
(cc) theprintedpaperslipssealedundertheprovisionsofrule57C.
* * * * *
(dd) ThepacketscontainingregistersofvotersinForm17A
.—
(1) Whileinthecustodyofthedistricteleconoceror,asthecasemaybe,the
returningocer—
(a) the packets of unused ballot papers with counterfoils aached
thereto;
(b) thepacketsofusedballotpaperswhethervalid,tenderedorrejected;
(c) thepacketsofthecounterfoilsofusedballotpapers;
(d) thepacketsofthemarkedcopyoftheelectoralrollor,asthecase
maybe,thelistmaintainedundersub-secon(1)orsub-secon(2)
ofsecon152;and
[(dd) thepacketscontainingregistersofvotersinform17-A;]
![](asset-1d.png)
24
(e) the packets of the declaraons by electors and the aestaon of
theirsignatures;shallnotbeopenedandtheircontentsshallnotbe
inspected by, or produced before, any person or authority except
undertheorderofacompetentcourt.
[1A) Thecontrolunitssealed under the provisionsof rule 57C andkeptin the
custodyofthedistricteleconocershallnotbeopenedandshallnotbe
inspectedby,orproducedbefore,anypersonorauthorityexceptunderthe
ordersofacompetentcourt.]
(2) SubjecttosuchcondionsandtothepaymentofsuchfeeastheElecon
Commissionmaydirect,—
(a) all other papers relang to the elecon shall be open to public
inspecon;and
(b) copiesthereofshallonapplicaonbefurnished.
(3) copiesofthereturnsbythereturningocerforwardedunderrule64,oras
thecasemaybe,underclause(b)ofsub-rule(1)ofrule84shallbefurnished
bythereturningocer,districteleconocer,chiefelectoralocerorthe
EleconCommissiononpaymentofafeeoftworupeesforeachcopy.]
.—
SubjecttoanydirecontothecontrarygivenbytheEleconCommissionor
byacompetentcourtortribunal—
[(a) thepacketsofunusedballotpapersshallberetainedforaperiodof
sixmonthsandshallthereaerbedestroyedinsuchmannerasthe
EleconCommissionmaydirect;]
[(aa) thevongmachineskeptinthecustodyofthedistricteleconocer
undersub-rule(1A)ofrule92shallberetainedintactforsuchperiod
astheEleconCommissionmaydirectandshallnotbeusedatany
subsequent elecon without the previous approval of the Elecon
Commission;]
(b) theotherpacketsreferredtoinsub-rule(1)ofrule93shallberetained
foraperiodofoneyearandshallthereaerbedestroyed:
[Provided that packets containing the counterfoils of used ballot
papers shall not be destroyed
exceptwiththepreviousapprovaloftheEleconCommission;]
![](asset-1e.png)
25
(c) allotherpapersrelangtotheeleconshallberetainedforsuchperiodas
theEleconCommissionmaydirect.
Subjecttotheotherprovisionsoftheserules,theEleconCommissionmay
issuesuchdireconsasitmayconsidernecessarytofacilitatetheproperuse
andoperaonofthevongmachines.
![](asset-1f.png)
26
Non-eleconperiod means, aerEPperiod(i.e.45-daysfromthe dateof
declaraon of the result of the last elecon) and upto announcement of next
eleconintheconstuency.
4.1.1PhysicalVericaonofEVMs
During non-elecon period, 100% physical vericaon of EVMs shall be
carriedoutbytheDistrictEleconOcers(DEOs)inthemonthofAprilevery
yearso thatthereportofthe same ismade availableto the Commission
through the Chief Electoral Ocer of the concerned States/UTs by 15th
Mayeveryyear.Forthispurpose,theCommissionwillissueadireconfor
openingofEVM-warehouses.OnreceivingdireconfromtheCommission,
theDEOsshalltakethefollowingcourseofacon:-
a) CEO/DEO shall ensure that EVM-warehouses, in which EVMs
pertainingtoanyeleconpeonorcourtcasesarestored,shallnot
beopenedforthepurposeofphysicalvericaonofEVMs.
b) DEO shall nominate an Ocer not below the rank of Tehsildar for
thepurposeofopeningofEVM-warehouse[exceptEVM-warehouse
menonedat(a)above]andforconducngphysicalvericaonof
EVMs.
c) Naonal and State recognized polical pares shall be informed
in wring, at least 24 hours in advance, about the date and me
of opening and closure of EVM warehouse. Their authorized
representaves shall be allowed to remain present at the me of
openingandclosureofthewarehouse.Areportshallbepreparedin
thisregardandsignatureoftheauthorizedrepresentavesofpolical
paresshallalsobetakenonthereport.
d) TheauthorisedrepresentavesofPolicalParesshallbeallowedto
witnesstheAnnualPhysicalVericaonofEVMs&VVPATs.
e) Duty Register of persons engaged in physical vericaon to be
maintained.Thisregistershallbepreservedfor5years.
![](asset-20.png)
27
f) DetailsofEVMsshallbemaintainedinaMasterStockRegister(MSR).
MSR shall be maintained warehouse-wise for every district in the
formatgivenin.
g) BasedonthisMSR,theDEOshallsendaphysicalvericaonreportin
theformatgivenintotheCommissionthroughtheCEO
oftheconcernedStates/UTs.
4.1.2StorageofEVMs
i. EVMshouldbestoredinTreasury,whereverpossible.
ii. WherenotstoredintheTreasury,EVMsmustbestoredinaseparate
warehousewherenothingotherthanEVMiskept.
iii. NormallytheEVMsshouldbestoredatDistrictHeadQuarters.
iv. However, if it is not possible to store the EVMs at District HQs,
thenEVMstoragewarehouseshouldnotbeataplacebelowTehsil
headquarters.
v. NoEVMshallbekeptoutsidetheEVMwarehouse(i.e.alltheEVMs
shouldbekeptinEVMwarehouseandnotatanyotherplace)forany
purposewithoutspecicapprovaloftheCommission.
vi. Acontobetakenincaseoftracedorrecoveredlost/stolenEVMs
a. FurnishthedetailedreporttotheCommission.
b. Recovered/traced units shall not be stored/kept in the warehouse
havingEVMs/VVPATsandmustbestored/keptinaseparatestore.
c. Stock-takingofsuchrecovered/tracedunitsofEVMshallnotbedone,
ifalreadydoesnotexistinstockinventory;and
d. Recovered/traced units of EVM should be sent to the factory for
destrucon.
vii. EVM storage warehouse must not have more than one (1) entry
point. If there are any other doors or windows in the warehouse,
theyshouldbesealedusingbrick-masonryorconcrete.
viii. EntryofEVMstoragewarehousemustbesecuredbyadoublelock
system,whichshouldbeheldjointlybytwoseparateocers,tobe
nominatedbytheDEO.Oneofwhomshallnotbebelowtherankof
Tehsildar.Forwarehousesatdistrictheadquarters,thereshall be a
double-locksystem.TheKeysshallbeincustodyofDEO&Dy.DEO,
![](asset-21.png)
28
eachhavingonekey.
part of CTC.
ix.
x. Warehousemustbefreefromdampness,pests,rodentsetc.Proper
re-ghngarrangementmustbemadeavailable.Warehouseshould
befreefromood/waterloggingrisk/cracks/leakage/brokenwindow
etc.Toprovideaninlet/outletforair-circulaontoavoidfoulsmellin
strongrooms,exhaustfanmaybeinstalled,subjecttothefollowing
condions:-
a. Exhaustfanshallbeinstalledonthefrontsideofthestrongroom,
wheresecurityguardsarepostedandnotontherearside;
b. Exhaustfanshallbeinstalledatthehighestpointfeasible,belowthe
roof;
c. Astrongirongrillshallbeinstalledatthevent/passagewhereexhaust
fanwillbeinstalled.
d. EVMsmustbekeptinasafemanner.
xi. Adequate security arrangement must be made at warehouse by
depungpolice/securityguardroundtheclock.
4.1.3MovementofEVMs
During non-elecon period, EVMs shall not be moved in or out of the EVM
warehousewithoutspecicapprovaloftheCommission.
IncaseofintraorinterStateshiingofEVMs,onthedireconoftheCommission,
thefollowingshallbestrictlyfollowed:-
i. TheCEOwillcommunicatethedireconoftheCommissiononshiing
ofEVMstotheDEOconcerned.
ii. DEO(s)willissuewrienordertotheocerreferredinpara4.1.1(b)
above for opening of EVM-warehouse [except EVM-warehouse
menonedat[4.1.1(a)]toshitherequirednumberofEVMs.
iii. OnreceivingthewrienorderoftheDEO,thenominatedOcershall
idenfytheEVMstobemovedoutandmakeanentryofthedetailsof
![](asset-22.png)
29
suchEVMsintheMasterStockRegister/MovementRegisterandshall
take a wrien acknowledgement from the ocer, who is receiving
theEVM,asproofofhavingreceivedtheEVMs.
4.2.1PhysicalVericaonofEVMs
Ifthereisageneraleleconduringtheyear,theDEOshallcarryout100%
physical vericaon of EVMs during the First Level Checking of the EVMs
andsendthereporttotheCommissionthroughChiefElectoralOcerinthe
formatin.
4.2.2StorageofEVMs
4.2.2.1
Pre-PollStorage:
AerFLCandrstrandomizaonofEVMs,EVMs shall be handed overto
theReturningOcer/AssistantReturningOcerconcerned.TheReturning
Ocersshallfollowthefollowingguidelines:-
i) RO/ARO shall store the EVMs, allocated for his constuency, in a
strong room in the presence of representaves of Naonal/State
Level Polical Pares, under videography. EVMs meant for training
andawarenessofvotersshallbekeptinaseparatestrongroomso
that strong room having EVMs (including reserve EVMs) meant for
pollneednotbeopenedbeforepreparaonofEVMs.
ii) Thereaer, RO shall open the strong room having EVMs (including
reserve EVMs) meant for poll at the me of preparaon of EVMs
(candidateseng)inthepresenceofcandidates/theirrepresentaves,
undervideography.
iii) AerpreparaonofEVMsatROlevel,EVMsincludingreserveEVMs
shallagainbekeptinstrongroominthepresenceofcandidates/their
representaves,undervideography.
iv) Thereaer, RO shall open the strong room having EVMs (including
reserveEVMs)onthedayofdispersalofpollingparesinthepresence
ofcandidates/theirrepresentaves,undervideography.
v. Aer compleon of poll, polled EVMs shall be escorted back to
the strong room for storing in double lock system in the presence
of candidates/their representaves, under videography.It shall be
ensuredthatcompleteset(BU,CU&VVPAT)ofaparcularpolling
staonshallbekeptinthesamestrong-room.
![](asset-23.png)
30
vi. UnusedEVMsandunusedVVPATsshallbestoredinseparatestrong
room.
4.2.2.2
Post-PollStorage:
Thefollowinginstruconsshallbestrictlyfollowedforthesecurityandsafetyof
strongroomswherethepolledEVMsandVVPATsarekeptforcounngofvotes–
i. Thestrongroomsshouldhavedoublelocksystem.Onekeyshould
be kept with District Elecon Ocer and the other with Returning
Ocerofconcernedassemblyconstuency.
ii. Twocordonedsecurityarrangementsshouldbemaderoundtheclock
forthestrongroomshavingpolledEVMskeptforcounngofvotes.
TheCPFshouldmantheinnermostperimetersecurityimmediately
outsidethestrongroomandtheStateArmedPoliceshouldmanthe
outermostperimetersecurity.
iii. TheminimumsecurityrequirementforstrongroomofpolledEVMs
and VVPATs must be One Platoon. A logbook shall be maintained
duringthesaidperiod.
iv. All contesng candidates should be inmated in wring to depute
theirrepresentavestokeepaclosewatchonsecurityarrangement
of strong room. They should be allowed to stay outside the inner
perimeteratalocaon,whichenablesthemtoviewtheentrypoints
ofthestrongroom.Asfaraspossible,faciliessuchaspropershade,
drinkingwater,etc.shallbeprovidedtothem.Ifthereisnodirect
viewtotheentrypointofthestrongroom,CCTVmaybearranged
atsuchlocaon,fromwheretheycanseethestrongroomdooron
CCTV. In such a case, they maybe taken periodically to the inner
perimeterinbatches,tosee,verifyandsasfythemselvesregarding
thesecurityofstrongroom.TheCCTVdisplayofStrongRoomshall
be arranged on a large TV screen at the place earmarked for the
representavesofPolicalParesandagentsofthecandidates,so
thattheycanconnuouslymonitortheStrongRoom.
v. A control room adjacent to the strong room SHOULD BE operave
roundtheclock.
vi. A Gazeed ocer along with a senior police ocer should be put
ondutyroundtheclockformonitoringthesecurityarrangementsof
strongroom.
![](asset-24.png)
31
vii. Thereshouldbesucientarrangementofreexnguishersnearand
insidethestrongroom.
viii. Thereshouldbeanarrangementroundtheclockforthesecurityof
unusedEVMsalso.
ix. No one should be allowed to enter the inner perimeter without
adheringthefollowingprotocols:-
a. ThelogbookshallbemaintainedbytheCPFinwhichentryshouldbe
madeaboutdate,me,duraonandname(s)ofperson(s)crossing
thesecondsecurityringi.e.themiddleperimeter.Thisincludesvisits
bytheObserversorDEOsorSPsorcandidatesortheiragentsorany
otherperson.
b. VideocamerasshouldbeprovidedtotheCPFconngenttorecordall
visitsmadebysuchvisitors.
x. Itshouldbeensuredthatthereisuninterruptedpowersupplyatthe
strong room locaons during the enre period wherein EVMs are
stored.CEOmayaddresstheChairmanofElectricityBoardconcerned
separatelyregardingthis.LocalElectricityBoardocialsshouldbe
asked to ensure the same. Conngency arrangement of stand-by
generatorsshouldbemadetoensureuninterruptedpowersupply.
xi. The phone nos. of CEO, Addl. CEOs, DEC in-charge in the ECI and
theDEO/SP/COP/ROsconcernedshouldbegiventothecandidates,
who may provide the same to their representaves, keeping vigil
at the strong room locaon(s). The candidates may advise their
representavestocontacttheocials,incaseofanyemergency.
xii. All the entry points (doors etc.) of strong rooms should be under
constantvideographyusingtheweb-camsandlaptopsavailable.If
thereareotherdoorsofthestrongroom,theyshouldalsobecovered
bytheweb-cams/videography.Personscomingtotakeback-upfrom
thelaptopsshouldhaveidentycardsgiventothemandtheirnames
should be recorded in advance with the CPF conngent staoned
there. Their visits should be videographed by the CPF conngent
withthevideocameraprovidedfortheenreduraon.
xiii Returning Ocers should visit the storage campus (upto the inner
perimeter only) every day in the morning and evening and check
thelogbookandvideographyandsendareporttotheDEOonthe
![](asset-25.png)
32
status every day. In case of strong rooms located in the district
headquarters,theDEOshoulddothesame.Wherethestrongrooms
aresituatedoutsidetheDistrictHeadquarters,DEOshouldvisitthe
sameasfrequentlyaspossibleandatleastoncein3to4days.
xiv No vehicle, including that of any ocial or ministers or any other
polical funconary, should be allowed inside the secured campus
wheretheEVMsarestored.Alighngpointforthevehiclesshouldbe
markedclearlyaheadoftheoutersecurityperimeteritselfbeyondit,
itshouldbeapedestrianzoneonly.
xv. DCsandSPsshallbepersonallyresponsibleforsecurityofstrongroom
within the district and meculous implementaon of the protocol.
ThecopyofthisManualshouldbemadeavailabletoallcandidates,
DEOs,ROsandCPFcommandant.
xvi. On the day of counng of votes, the strong room shall be opened
inthepresenceofcandidates/theirrepresentave,ROandObserver
undervideography.
xvii. Aer opening the strong room for counng of votes, complete
videography of taking out/bringing back of Control Units shall be
done.Agentsofcandidatesshouldalsobeallowedtowatchstrong
roomthroughCCTVcoverage.
xviii. A log book must be maintained for the persons who have been
allowed/deputedtoviewtheCCTV.
xix. Aercompleonofcounngofvotes,ControlUnitsshallbesealed
as per exisng instrucon of the Commission. Thereaer, EVMs
(BallongUnitsandControlUnits)andVVPATsshallbeshiedback
toStrongRoomforsafestorage.
Note:
i) All Presiding Ocers or the Collecng Pares should deposit the
vong machines and elecon papers and materials at the storage
centreswithoutanyavoidabledelay.Anyocerwhodefaultsinthis
respectwillmakehimselfliabletodisciplinaryacon.
ii) ReturningOcermayearmarkinsidethestorageroomorbuilding,
speciedpartsoftheoorspaceintheformofsquaresinadvance
![](asset-26.png)
33
for stacking the vong machines received from parcular polling
staons.Thearrangementforthisshouldfollowtheserialnumberof
pollingstaons.
iii) All Ballong unit(s) and control unit and VVPAT(s) received from
one polling staon must invariably be kept together at one place
onthesamesquare.Thecontrolunitshouldbekeptontopofthe
Ballongunit(s).OnecopyofthePartIofForm-17C,aslledbythe
concernedPresidingOcer ofeach polling staon,shouldbe kept
on top of the control unit pertaining to the polling staon. Sealed
envelopecontainingthedeclaraonsmadebythePresidingOcers
beforethe start of the poll and at the end of the poll should also
bekeptinthestrongroomwithpolledEVMs.Theduplicatecopyof
theaccountofvotesrecordedandthepapersealaccountshouldbe
keptunderyoursafecustodyalongwiththePresidingOcersDiary
and other records like Register of Voters(17A), reports of Sector/
Zonalmagistrates,AddionalinputsprovidedbythePresidingOcer
(referECIinstruconinthisregard)etc.Undernocircumstance,these
papers/recordsshouldbeputinstrongroomwherepolledEVMsare
kept.
iv) Sucientspaceshouldbelebetweenrowsofvongmachinesas
theyarebeingstackedsothatothermachinesreceivedsubsequently
outofturn(fromthepointofviewofserialnumbersofthepolling
staons)maybekeptattheirappropriatealloedspacewithoutthe
necessityofhavingtoshianyofthevongmachinesreceivedand
stackedinearlierpointofme.
v) Ifanyofthecontesngcandidatessodesires,hemaybepermiedto
postanagenttokeepwatchattheplacewherethevongmachines
arestoredpendingthecounngandallowhimtoaxhisownseals
tothedoorsandwindowsofthebuildinginwhichvongmachines
havebeenstoredinaddiontothesealsthatmaybeaxedbyyou.It
shouldalsobeensuredthatimmediatelyaerallthevongmachines
have been received and stored, the room is locked forthwith.
Thereaer,nooneisallowedtogoinunlthemorningofthedayxed
forcounng.Ifduringthisinterval,forsomeunavoidablereason,the
roomhastobeopenedyoushouldsendforthecandidatesortheir
authorizedrepresentavesbygivingtheminmaoninwringand
opentheroomintheirpresenceandimmediatelyaerthepurpose
![](asset-27.png)
34
forwhichtheroomisopenedisover,thisroomshouldbeclosedand
sealedand the candidatesortheirrepresentavesshould againbe
allowedtoputtheirsealonthedoorlockandwindows.
vi) Whenever it is necessary to open the room in which the vong
machinesarestored,properentriesshouldbemadeinthelogbook
givingdetailsofthepersonsenteringtheroom,thepurposeofsuch
entry,meofentry,meofexit,signatureoftheguards,etc.
vii) Theseinstruconswillalsoapplymutasmutandistothestorageof
thevongmachinesduringtheintervalbetweentheoriginalcount
andtherecount,ifany
2.
A. EveryVongMachine(EVM)andVVPATsusedinaneleconandkept
inthecustodyoftheDistrictEleconOcershallbekeptuntouched,
underthestandardprotocolofsecurity,llconrmaonofElecon
peonposionfromtheHighCourtconcernedaerthecompleon
oftheperiodforlingEleconPeoni.e.45daysfromthedateof
declaraonoftheresult.
B. Inthecaseofelecons,wherenoeleconpeonhasbeenledor
noothercourtcasesarepending,aertheaforesaidperiod,theEVMs
maybeallowedtobeusedbytheEleconCommissionforanyfuture
eleconoranyotherpurposelikemovement,physicalvericaonof
EVMsandVVPATs,etc.
C. In case of any elecon where elecon peon has been led, the
followingaconshallbetaken:-
i) IftheEVMsarethesubjectoftheeleconpeon,theEVMsusedat
allPollingStaonsintheconstuencyconcernedshallconnuetobe
keptinthesafecustodyoftheDistrictEleconOcer,llsuchme
theEleconPeonisnallydisposedofbytheCourts.
ii) IftheEVMsarenotthesubjectoftheeleconpeon,anapplicaon
may be moved to the concerned Court for allowing the EVMs
concernedtobetakenoutofthestrongroomforanyfutureelecon
oranyother purpose like movement,physicalvericaonof EVMs
etc.
![](asset-28.png)
35
iii) In case EVMs not involved in any Elecon Peon/Court Case are
storedwith the EVMs involvedinElecon Peon/CourtCase,the
followingprocedureshallbefollowedforsegregangtheEVMsnot
involvedinanyeleconpeon/courtcaseformtheEVMsinvolved
inEP/Courtcase:-
a) ANoceinformingtheopeningofStrongRoomhavingEVMsinvolved
inEP/CourtCaseshallbegiventothepeoners/respondentsofthe
EP/CourtCaseandtherepresentavesofallpolicalparesinwring
atleast72hoursinadvance,requesngthemtoremainpresentat
themeofopeningofstrongroom.
b) The strong room shall be opened in the presence of the District
Elecon Ocer, Peoners/respondents of the EP/Court case and
representavesofPolicalPares.
c) The EVMs not involved in any EP/Court Case shall be segregated
fromtheEVMsinvolvedinEP/CourtCasefortakingoutofthestrong
room.AlistofEVMsbeingsotakenoutfromthestrongroomshall
beprepared.
d) TheEVMs,whicharenotinvolvedinanyEP/CourtCase,shouldalone
betakenoutoftheStrongroom.
e) Theenreprocessshallbevideographed.
f) AcopyofthelistofEVMsbeingtakenoutfromthestrongroomand
copyofvideographyshallbegiventothepeoner/respondentof
theEP/courtcaseandacknowledgementtaken.
D. IfanyotherCourtCaseispending,like,boothcapturing,etc.,inwhich
anyEVMisinvolved,theEVMconcernedortheEVM(s)usedatsuch
PollingStaon(s)concernedmayalsobekeptllthenaldisposalof
thesaidcase.
Aerthenaldisposaloftheeleconpeonsorothercourtcases,
as the case may be, referred to above, the EVMs can be used for
subsequentelecons.
a) EVMsandVVPATsofECIbemandatorilykeptinseparateandsecure
warehouseatalldistrictheadquarters,underthecustodyofDistrict
EleconOcerconcerned.
![](asset-29.png)
36
b) 24X7armedpolicesecurityshallbeprovidedatallsuchEVM/VVPAT
warehouseineachdistrict,throughouttheelecon,aswellas,non-
eleconperiod.
c) TheminimumsecurityrequirementforstrongroomofpolledEVMs
mustbeOnePlatoon.Alogbookshallbemaintainedduringthesaid
period.
d) 24x365PoliceSecurityofEVM/VVPATwarehouses.Inaddion,CCTV
fromstartofFLCllEPcompleonperiod.
e) Security:NonPoll(PostEPtoFLC)–Minimum1/2Secon
FLCtoPolling–Minimum1Secon
PolltoEP-Minimum1Platoon
ForanytransportaonofEVMs/VVPATs
fromoneplacetoanother(i.e.fromfactorytoStates,Inter-State,Intra-State
etc.),followingprotocolsshallbestrictlyfollowed:
a) MovementofEVMs&VVPATsshouldmandatorilybedonethrough
EVMTrackingSoware(ETS).
b) Containerized trucks or sealed trucks on which proper locking
arrangementscanbemadeshallonlybeusedfortransporngEVMs
and VVPATs, so that these could be locked and sealed with paper
seals.
c) All trucks transporng EVMs/VVPATs shall be sealed with lock and
paperseals.
d) Vehicles with GPS tracking only should be used for movement of
EVM/VVPAT.
e) PolicalParesshallbeinformedinadvancedaboutopening,stocking
&sealingofwarehouseswhileshiingEVMsandVVPATs.However,if
norepresentaveaends,theworkshouldnotstop.
f) DEOtovideo-graphthewholeprocessoftransfer/receiptofEVM.
i) TransportaonfromFactorytoState
a) GPS tracking of vehicles shall be monitored on daily basis by the
District Elecon Ocers and randomly monitored by the Chief
ElectoralOcers.AdailymonitoringreportshallbesentbytheChief
ElectoralOcertotheCommission.
![](asset-2a.png)
37
b) FortransportaonofEVMs/VVPATs(newlymanufactureorrepaired)
fromfactorytoState,transportaonarrangementsshallbedoneby
themanufacturers.Thetransportaonchargesforshiingofrepaired
EVMs/VVPATsfromfactorytoState/UTallocatedbytheCommission
shallbebornebytheState/UTconcerned.
c) Manufacturers shall undertake Due Diligence for empanelling/
engagingtransportcompaniesfortransportaonofEVMs/VVPATs.
d) ConsigneeState/UTshall deputeits ocial atfactorywith security
personnelfromtheirStateandfollowthesecurityprotocolforInter
Statetransfers.
ii) InterStateTransportaon
a) AnodaloceratStateaswellasDistrictlevelshallbeappointedfor
constantcoordinaonforsmoothtransportaonof EVMsin donor
andborrowerStates.
b) Asfaraspossible,theCEOsshallensurethelocaonofdistrictsfor
colleconofEVMs/VVPATsbyborrowingStateareinaclusteroron
thesameroute.
c) DEOs shall ensure that neither defecve nor ‘EVMs/VVPATs under
conictinETS’aretransferredtotheborrowingState.
iii) IntraStateTransportaon
a) Intra-districtallocaonaswellasinter-districtallocaonstobedone
asperexisnginstruconsonly.
b) AllmovementsofEVMs/VVPATsshallbedonethroughETSandwith
priorpermissionoftheCommission.
c) In case of exigencies like ood or re the CEO/DEO may shi the
EVMs/VVPATsunderinmaontotheCommissionandalsotakepost
factoapproval.
d) DEOs will ensure appointment of team to accompany the truck
for transporng EVMs/VVPATs, arrangement of district transport,
arrangementforproperhandingoverandreceiptofEVMs/VVPATs.
********
![](asset-2b.png)
38
DistrictEleconOcershallberesponsible
foroverall FLCprocessand shall ensurestrictadherence& complianceof
FLCinstrucons.DistrictEleconOcershallappointanAddl./Dy.DEOfully
trainedwithFLCprocessasFLCsupervisor.
5.2.1.
FLC of EVMs and VVPATs shall be done before every bye-elecon
andgeneralelecontoStateLegislaveAssemblyandHouseofthe
People(LokSabha)orinanyeleconswhereEVMsareusedinfuture.
5.2.2.
FLC of EVMs (Control Units and Ballong Units) and VVPATs shall
commence
a) withinonemonthofoccurrenceofvacancyincaseofbye-elecon.
b) at least P-120 days in case of General Elecon to State Legislave
Assembly.
c) atleastP-180daysincaseofGeneralElecontoLokSabha.
5.2.3.
FLCistobedonesucientlyinadvancesothatallchecksarecarried
outwithout anyundue hasteinthepresenceofrepresentavesof
policalpares.
5.2.4. FLCofEVMsandVVPATsshallbecompleted,asfaraspossible,well
beforetheissueofnocaoncallingtheelecon.
5.3.1. DependingonthenumberofEVMsandVVPATstobecheckedinFLC,
theCEOshallprepareaschedulefortheFLCofEVMsinconsultaon
withEVMmanufacturers(ECIL&BEL).
5.3.2. TheabovescheduleshallbemadeavailabletotheCommissionfor
approvalbyP-130daysincaseofGeneralElecontoStateLegislave
AssemblyandP-190daysincaseofGeneralElecontoLokSabha.
5.4.1. ThescheduleforFLCshall be communicatedtoeverynaonaland
state level recognized polical party at the district headquarters
![](asset-2c.png)
39
underinmaontotheparesatStateheadquarters,inwringby
the DEO at least one weekbefore the beginning of the FLC in the
district.
5.4.2. OnthedayoftheFLC,representavesofallnaonalandstatelevel
recognizedpolicalparesauthorizedbytheDistrictPresidentofthe
partyshallbeencouragedtobepresent.
5.4.3. AregistershallbekeptatFLChallbytheDEOininwhich
signaturesofallpolicalparesshallbetakeneverydayastokenof
theirpresence.
5.5.1. FLCshallbecarriedoutinalarge,well-lit,wellvenlatedanddust
freehall.Non-heanghighilluminaonLEDlightsmaybeinstalled
sothateachtableisbrightlylit.
5.5.2. The hall must be spacious to accommodate the EVMs and VVPATs
tobechecked,ocialsnominatedbytheDEO,engineersofBELand
ECILandalsorepresentavesofpolicalpares.Therequirementof
tables,chairsandlaboursshallbeassessedinconsultaonwithBEL
andECIL.
5.5.3. FLCareashallbebarricadedandsanizedbypolicebeforethehall
is used for FLC. It shall be ensured that the hall is free from any
otherelectronicdeviceorcomponentsofelectronicdevices,except
thosepermiedbytheCommissionforthepurposeofrecordingFLC
processetc.
5.5.4. Thereshouldbeadequatearrangementofreexnguishersandre
alarminsideandoutsidethehallasFLCteamsusehighlyinammable
thinnerstocleantheEVMs.
5.5.5. FLCareashallhavethefaciliesofdrinkingwater,toilet,rstaidetc.,
includingtoiletsforwomen.
5.5.6. Thereshallbeonlyoneentryandexitpointtothehall,whichshallbe
guardedbyarmedpoliceforceroundtheclock.
5.5.7. Every hall shall have a door frame metal detector (DFMD) & entry
shallbepermiedonlythroughDFMD.Everypersonwhoentersthe
hallshallbefriskedateveryentry.Ifapersonmakesmulpleentries
inthehall,he/sheshallbefriskedeachmetheentryismade.
![](asset-2d.png)
40
5.5.8. EntrytothishallshallbeonlyonproduconofIdentyCardofthe
authorizedocials/passesissuedbytheDistrictEleconOcer.
5.5.9. Nobodywillbeallowedtocarryanyelectronicdeviceinsidethehall
includingcellphones,cameraandspypensetc.Similarly,nobodywill
beallowedtocarryanythingoutoftheFLChall.Acolleconcenterfor
electronicsitemslikecellphones,cameraetc.shallbemadeoutside
the hall.
purpose.Securitypersonnelwillnotallowanyotherequipmenttobe
carriedintotheFLChallbytheengineersexceptthosemenonedin
FLCStandardOperangProcedure(SoP).
5.5.10.ArrangementofWeb-casng/CCTVs/videography:
Web-casngmustbedoneoftheenreFLCprocessformonitoring
byDEO/CEO/Commissiononly.Thelinefeedofwebcasngmustbe
closely monitored at the Control Room at DEO and CEO level and
reportsubmiedtoECI.
5.5.11.
A log book shall be maintained forentry and exit of every person
includingtheocers,representavesofpolicalparesetc.
5.5.12.
Aseparatelogbook(i.e. duty roaster)shallalsobemaintainedfor
armed police force deployed for FLC hall for recording the names,
designaon,shidues,takeoverandhandoverchargesetc.
5.5.13.
TheCommissionwillsendaninspeconteamcomprisingofocers
ofECI/CEO,alongwithengineersofthemanufacturerstoinspectthe
FLChallandpreparednessofFLC3-5daysbeforestartofFLC.DEO
shallaccompanythisteamtoassesspreparednessrsthand.
5.6.1. FLCshallbecarriedoutonlybyauthorizedengineersofBELandECIL.
BELandECILshallbefullyresponsiblefortheintegrity,eciencyand
competenceoftheirengineers.
5.6.2. ListofengineersdeputedbyBELandECILforcarryingoutFLCwillbe
randomizedbytheCommissionforallotmentoftheState.District-
wiseallocaonshallbedonebyCEOandthislistalongwithengineers
cellnumbersshallbeinmatedtoDEO.
![](asset-2e.png)
41
5.6.3. ManufacturersshalldeputeSr.levelengineersatStateheadquarters
aswellaseachdistrictheadquarterstosuperviseFLC.
5.6.4. OnemanagershallbeappointedbyBEL/ECILfor4-5districts&this
managershallremainintheeldfordailysupervision&coordinaon.
5.6.5. Noengineers,techniciansorothertechnicalstaexceptauthorized
engineers/technicalstaofBELandECILshallbeallowedtoenterthe
FLChall.
5.6.6. Sucientunskilledlabourshallbedeployedforcleaning,unpacking
andpacking EVMs andVVPATs. The requirementof labour canbe
assessedinconsultaonwiththemanufacturers.
AtthemeofFLC,thefollowingacviesmustbeundertaken:
Cleaning of machines: Removal of address tags, Ballot Papers, cleaning
ofsuperscriponsonCU&BU,clearingofearlierpolldata,dusngofCU
&BUetc.Theseacviesarecarried-outinthesecuredplaceattheFLC
venueunderclosesupervisionofFLCin-chargeandEngineersdeputedby
manufacturers.
VisualInspeconofEVM&VVPAT: Physicalinspecon ofCarrying Cases,
EVM, VVPAT, Connecng Cable, Connector, Latches etc. to ensure no
structuraldamageorbreakageofplascparts,latches,switchesetc.
Fullfunconalitychecks:
CheckingofallswitchesinControlUnit,BallongUnit,doors(aps),
sealingprovisions,scratchesonacrylicscreenetc.
Response of all switches, conrmaon tests for ecacy of Control
Unit,BallongUnitetc.–BELandECILengineersshallcarryouttest
prescribedbythe manufacturers aspertheSoP toconrmthatall
componentsoftheEVMareoriginal.
The plasc cabinets of both Control Unit and Ballong Unit of the
EVMsshallbeopenedbytheBEL/ECILengineersinthepresenceof
polical party representaves at the me of FLC and the PCB and
other components of EVMs will be shown to them. BEL and ECIL
engineerswillcerfyinthatallthecomponentsofthe
EVMsareoriginal.
![](asset-2f.png)
42
IfanyEVMisfoundtobedefecve,itwillbekeptasideandsentto
thefactoryofBELandECILforrepairsofcompleon
ofFLCinthedistrict.CEOshallclubdespatchesfrommorethan1
districttoeconomisetransport.
Noelectronicrepairofthemachineshallbecarriedoutintheeld.
Changing of electronic components of the machines in the eld is
strictlyprohibited.
Detailed Standard Operang Procedure (SoP) menoning the step-
by-step instrucons of checking of the machine is aached at
-6.CopyofthisSoPshallbepastedprominentlyatFLCHall.
Theseinstruconsincludealistofequipmentandspares,whichthe
engineersshallbeallowedtocarrywiththeminFLChall.
ConductofMockPoll:
Casng of ,
observaonofresultandclearingofmockpolldatawillbedonefor
eachEVM(BU+CU).
Addionally,mock-pollin
shallbedoneanda
printoutoftheresults,aswellassequenalprint-outofeveryvote
polled,shallbetakenoutandshowntotherepresentavesofpolical
pares.
Representavesofpolicalparesshallbeallowedtopickmachines
randomlyforthepurposeofmock-poll.Signaturesofrepresentaves
of polical pares shall be taken in a register in as a
token of having seen the print out and conrmaon that there is
nodiscrepancybetweenthevotespolledduringthemockpolland
resultsinthesequenalprintout.
Inrestofthemachines,numberofvotespolledduringthemockpoll
shouldbetothesasfaconoftherepresentavesofpolicalpares.
Representavesofpolicalparesshallbeallowedtodothemock
pollthemselves,iftheysodesire.
Signatures of representaves of polical pares shall be taken
in a register in as a token of having done mock poll
themselves.
![](asset-30.png)
43
In case of VVPATs, mock-poll with
shallbedone, followedbyobservaonofresult
and tally of electronic count and printedpaper slips of VVPATs for
eachVVPAT.
Signaturesofrepresentavesofpolicalparesshallbetaken in a
registerinasatokenofhavingseentheprintoutsand
conrmaon that there are no discrepancies between the VVPAT
paperslipscountandelectroniccount/printoutsofEVM.
5.8.1 In order to ensure that the Control Unit of the EVM cannot be
openedaerFirstLevelCheckingoftheEVMs,theControlUnitshall
besealedwiththe‘PinkPaperSeal’suppliedbythe NasikSecurity
Press,inthepresenceoftherepresentavesofthePolicalPares
presentatthemeofFLC.ThePinkPaperSealshallbeaxedonthe
poronbetweentheCandidateSetSeconandtheResultSeconof
theControlUnit.
5.8.2. FLC Supervisor shall ascertain that the EVM (BU & CU) and VVPAT
arecheckedproperlyandareFLC-OKinallrespectbeforeaxinghis
signatureontheGreenFLC-OKsckerstobepastedonthemachines.
Further,hemustbefullysasedwiththeFLCprocessbeforeusing
PinkPaperSealforsealingtheFLC-OKCU.
5.8.3. Aer xing the Pink Paper Seal, the Engineer of the Manufacturer
shallputhissignatureonthePinkPaperSeal;therepresentavesof
thePolicalParesshallalsobeallowedtoputtheirsignatureonthe
saidsealwithpartynameinabbreviaonbelowthesignature.
5.8.4. TherepresentavesofthePolicalParespresentshouldbeallowed
tonotedowntheserialnumberofthepinkpapersealaxedonthe
ControlUnit.
5.8.5. Aregisterinshallbemaintainedtonotedowntheserial
numberofthe pink paper sealusedonthe ControlUnit byclearly
menoningtheuniqueIDnumberofControlUnitandthePinkPaper
Seal number. Signatures of representaves of polical pares will
alsobeobtainedonthisregister.
5.8.6. PhotocopyofthisregistershallbegivenfreeofcosttoallNaonal
andStatelevelrecognizedpolicalparesassoonasFLCisover.
![](asset-31.png)
44
5.8.7. Photocopy of this register shall also be given to all contesng
candidatesassoonaslastdateofwithdrawalofcandidatureisover.
5.8.8. Photocopy of this register should also be available at the me of
candidatesengandatthemeofcounng,andshouldbeshown
tocandidatesandtheirrepresentaveandacknowledgementtaken
ontheregister.
:
5.9.1. FLC shall be carried out under the direct and close supervision of
DistrictEleconOcer.
5.9.2. TheDEOshallnominateoneocernotbelowtherankofAddional/
DeputyDEOasFLC-SupervisortosupervisetheenreprocessofFLC.
ThisocershallbepresentintheFLChallfortheenreduraonof
FLC.FLCSupervisorshallsubmitacercateinAnnexure-11tothe
CEOconcernedthroughDEObeforestarngofFLCtotheeectthat
allarrangementsforFLChavebeendoneasperECIinstrucons.
5.9.3. DistrictEleconOcershallinvariablyconductadailyinspeconof
theFLCvenue&FLCprocesstoensurethattheFLCisbeingcarried
outaspertheinstruconoftheCommission.TheprocessofFLCshall
bewebcast&connuouslyrecorded.VideoCDwillbekeptinthe
custodyofDEO.
5.9.4. WebcastcamerasshallbeinstalledintheFLChallinsuchamanner
thattheprocessofFLCcanbefullyseenonwebcast.
5.9.5. ControlRoomshall be setupatCEOoce formonitoring through
webcast whether FLC instrucons & procedures are being fully
followed.
5.9.6. CEOshalldeputeteamstoconductsurpriseinspeconofFLCprocess
in the districts from me to me. The report of such inspecon
undertakenbyCEOshallbesubmiedtotheCommission.
5.9.7. AercompleonoftheFLCofalltheBUs,CUsandVVPATsandupdang
ofFLC-statusintheETS,DEOsshallsubmitaCercatetothiseect
totheCEOintheformatgivenatAnnexure-12andCEOwillsubmita
consolidatedcercateforallthedistrictstotheCommission.
![](asset-32.png)
45
5.10.1
Comprehensive arrangements should be made forround-the-clock
securityofthestrongroomshavingEVMsaerFirst-Level-Checking.
5.10.2
Minimum one secon of Armed personnel of State Police + State
ArmedPoliceshallbedeployedfor24 X 7 securityofStrongroom
havingFLCdoneEVMs/VVPATs.
5.10.3
TheentrypointofstrongroomhavingEVMsaerFLCshallhave24X
7CCTVcoverageroundtheclock.
5.10.4.
Thereshouldbesucientarrangementofreexnguishersandre
alarmnearandinsidethestrongroom.
5.10.5.
A log book shall be maintained bythe security personnel in which
entry should be made about date, me, duraon and name(s) of
anyoneenteringnearthestrongrooms.Thisincludesvisitsbythe
Observers or DEOs or SPs or Polical Pares/candidates or their
agentsoranyotherperson.
FLCstatus(FLC-OKorFLC-Failed)oftheBUs,CUsandVVPATsforwhichFLC
has been completed by the Engineers, shall be updated in the ETS using
‘Shiing/FLC/Randomisaon’ mobile-app on day-to-day basis. In respect
of FLC-OK CUs serial number of the Pink-Paper Seal is also required to
be entered, while entering serial number of Pink-Paper Seal, it should be
ensuredthatonlynumericalnumberistobeenterednotthealphabetpre-
xedtothenumerals(i.e.iftheserialno.ofpinkpapersealisX123456,only
123456willbeenteredasserialno.ofpinkpaperseal).IncaseofVVPATs,
theboxnumberwillalwaysbe‘0’.
ToensurepropertrainingandawarenessonuseofVVPATswithEVMs,the
CommissionhasdirectedthataerFLCofEVMsandVVPATs:
i) 5%ofEVMsandVVPATsshallbetakenoutfortrainingandawareness
purpose.
ii) PolicalParesshouldnecessarilybeinvitedtowitnessthisprocess
from opening of Warehouse and re-sealing of warehouse aer
taking out the EVMs/VVPATs for awareness. Enre process to be
videographed.
![](asset-33.png)
46
iii) ThelistofsuchEVMsandVVPATsshallbegiventotheNaonaland
StateRecognisedPolicalPares.Thislistshallalsobesharedwith
thecandidates/theiragents,asandwhentheyarenalised.
iv) AsckerofYellowcolourmenoning“Training/Awareness”shallbe
axedonsuchEVMsandVVPATs.
v) TheabovemenonedEVMsandVVPATsshallbestoredinaseparate
warehousewith propersecurity, as isdoneforstrongroomhaving
FLC-OKEVMsandVVPATs.
vi) SuchEVMsandVVPATsshallbegivenonlytotheauthorisedocials
deputedbytheDistrictEleconOcerconcerned.
vii) TheDEOshallensurethattheocialschosenforcreaonofEVM/
VVPATrelatedawareness/IECcampaign,aswellasthosenominated
for handling these EVMs and VVPATs must be comprehensively
trainedontheusageandfunconingoftheEVMsandVVPATs.
viii) Itshallbeensuredthataertheconclusionoftrainingandawareness
programs,theseEVMsandVVPATsshallbestoredinthedesignated
warehouseonadailybasis.
ix) Properlogbookshallbemaintained.
x) Closing and opening of the designated warehoused shall be
videographed.However,thepresenceoftherepresentavesofthe
policalparesarenotrequiredforthepurpose.
xi) AwarenessEVMs/VVPATscanbeaddedtoTrainingEVMs/VVPATs,if
required.
xii) Both Training and Awareness EVMs/VVPATs can be added to poll
day reserve, if required, aer due process of FLC, randomizaon
andCandidateSenginthepresenceofpolicalpares/contesng
candidates/theiragents.
NOTE:FLCOKEVMs&VVPATstakenoutfortheabovemenonedpurpose,shall
bemarked‘TrainingandAwareness”inETSalsosothattheseEVMsandVVPATs
cannotbeusedforRandomizaon.
The Commission has directed that following SoP shall strictly be followed for
Training(includingdemonstraonandawarenessprogramme)ofEVM&VVPAT:
![](asset-34.png)
47
EVMor/andVVPATusedfortheaforesaidpurposeshallbechecked/
tested by authorised engineer(s) of M/s Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL)andM/sElectronicsCorporaonofIndiaLimited(ECIL),asthe
casemaybe,duringFirstLevelChecking(FLC).
Only “FLC OK” units shall be used for training, demonstraon and
awarenesscampaign.
Engineer(s)ofBELandECILshallensurethatthereisnodata(including
ballotpaper,incaseofBallotUnit)ofpreviouseleconintheEVM
andVVPATalso.
Engineer(s) shall only use dummy symbols for ballot paper(s) and
VVPATasmenonedbelow:
Fornameofcandidates-AAA,BBB,CCC,………andsoon;
Forsymbolofcandidates-Alpha(),Beta(),Gama()………..andso
on.
Sample:
AAA
2 BBB
CCC
-
-
OnlySampleballotpapers,havingdummynamesandsymbols,shall
beused fortraining,demonstraon,awarenesscampaignandFirst
LevelCheckingofEVMsor/andVVPATs.
BEL/ECIL shall ensure that engineers deputed for training,
demonstraon, awareness campaign and First Level Checking of
EVMsor/andVVPATsmustcarrynecessaryequipment/Zigforsymbol
loading and preparaon of sample ballot papers and printer for
prinngsequenalprintoutofdummydata.
Presiding Ocers, Polling Ocers, Returning Ocer, Assistant
ReturningOcers,SectorOcersandCounngPersonnelmustbe
![](asset-35.png)
48
givenhands-on-trainingrelatedtotheirrole/duesonuseofEVMs
withVVPATs.
Every ocial should get an opportunity to operate the EVM with
VVPATsystemandunderstandtheprocessofrecordingthevoteusing
VVPAT.
Separatetrainingshouldbegivenoncounngofprintedpaperslips
fromtheVVPATsystemandtallyingthecountofVVPATpaperslips
withthecountoftheControlUnit.
A copy of VVPAT brochure should be given to all
ocersduringtrainingandbeavailableatpollingstaononpollday.
AtrainingsessionmaybeincorporatedinthetrainingmoduleofState
PublicAdministraonInstuons,onoperaon&useofVVPATs.
AdemonstraonofVVPATsystemshouldbeorganizedbytheDistrict
EleconOcers(DEOs) forpolicalpares,ReturningOcersand
electorsatsuitablelocaons.
Further,theReturningOcers(ROs)shallarrangedemonstraonof
VVPATsystemforcandidatesandelectorsatsuitablelocaonsinthe
constuency.
The poster “How to Cast Your Vote Using EVMs and VVPATs”
onmethodofvongwithVVPATshouldbepastedat
prominentplacesoftheconstuenciesandatplacesineachpolling
staoninamannerthatvoterswainginthequeueareabletoread
theinstrucons.
The DEO and RO should also organize programmes for awareness
aboutuseofEVMswithVVPATonprintmediaandlocalcable-network
etc.AshortlmonHowtoCastYourVoteusingVVPATwithEVMshall
bemadeinregionallanguageforthispurpose.
![](asset-36.png)
49
FirstrandomizaonofBallongUnits(BUs)andControlUnits(CUs)willbe
donetorandomlyassignEVMstoAssembly Constuencies(ACs),training
andAwarenessProgrammes.AerFLCisover,theDEOwillxaschedulefor
rstrandomizaonofEVMs.Thisscheduleshouldbexedinsuchamanner
thatrstrandomizaoniscompletedbeforethestartoftrainingofpolling
personnel. During rst randomizaon, CUs and BUs are assigned to ACs
in the presence of the representaves of recognized polical pares. The
randomizaonwillbedoneinsuchawaythattheCUsandBUsarerandomly
selectedbygroupingthemtomatchthepolldayrequirementincludingthe
reserverequiredforeachconstuency.SurplusCUsandBUsaerassigning
ACstothemshallalsoberandomlygroupedanddistributedACwiseforthe
purposeoftrainingandawarenessprogramme.(forthetrainingofthepolling
staaswellasforthepurposeofvoterawareness).AsckerofGreencolour
shall be axed on the CUs and BUs assigned to ACs for polling. A scker
ofYellowcolourshall beaxedontheCUs andBUsassignedfortraining
andawarenessprogramme. Thescker shall clearlyindicatethe Name of
State/UTandtheNumberandNameofAssemblyConstuency.“Training/
Awareness” will be wrien on the scker of CUs and BUs assigned for
trainingandawareness.“Elecon”willbewrienonthesckerofCUsand
BUsassignedforpolling.NocurrentIDwillbegivenduringrandomizaon.
AerrandomizaontheCUsandBUswillbemarked“Elecon”or“Training/
Awareness”intheEVMtrackingsoware.
AerrstrandomizaonlistofrandomizedCUsandBUsclearlyindicang
whichCUsandBUsaretobeusedinwhichACforpollingandwhichCUsand
BUsaretobeusedinwhichACfortrainingandawarenessshouldbegiven
toeachrecognizedpolicalpartyandawrienacknowledgementobtained.
Acopyofthislistshouldbegiventoallthecandidatesaerthelastdateof
withdrawalofcandidatures.
Aerrstrandomizaon the R.Oof the constuency, shall take chargeof
the CUs and BUs randomly alloed to his constuency. The CUs and BUs
![](asset-37.png)
50
meantforuseattheeleconshallbeseparatelytakentoR.O’sstrongroom
underproperescortandwillbeguarded24X7.ThetrainingEVMsshallbe
distributedtotherelevantocersforthetrainingpurpose.Atthemeof
sealingthestrongroom,therepresentavesofpolicalparescanremain
presentandtheycanalsoaxtheirsealonthelock.
6.4.1 Aer rst randomizaon of EVMs the Returning Ocer of the
constuency,shalltakechargeoftheCUsandBUsrandomlyalloed
tohisconstuency.TheCUsandBUsmeantforuseattheelecon
shallbeseparatelytakentoR.O’sstrongroomunderproperescort
andwillbeguarded24X7.ThetrainingEVMstobedistributedtothe
relevant ocers for the training purpose shall be kept in separate
strong room within the same premises. At the me of sealing the
strong room, where EVMs to be used for elecon are kept, the
representavesofpolicalparescanremainpresentandtheycan
alsoaxtheirsealonthelock.ForthispurposerecognisedNaonal&
StateLevelPolicalParesshouldbeinmatedinwringinadvance.
6.4.2 Thestrongroomsshouldhaveonlyoneentrypointanddoublelock
system.OnekeyshouldbekeptwithReturningOcerandtheother
withAssistantReturningOcerofconcernedassemblyconstuency.
Otherentrypointsofthestrongrooms(includingwindows)shouldbe
sealedinsuchawaythatnoonehasaccessinsidethestrongrooms.
6.4.3 Securityarrangementsshouldbemaderoundtheclockforthestrong
roomshavingEVMsaerFirstLevelChecking.
6.4.4 TheentrypointofstrongroomhavingEVMsaerFLCshallhaveCCTV
coverageroundtheclock.
6.4.5 Thereshouldbesucientarrangementofreexnguishersnearand
insidethestrongroom.
6.4.6 A log book shall be maintained bythe security personnel in which
entry should be made about date, me, duraon, purpose and
name(s) of anyone entering near the strong rooms. This includes
visitsbytheObserversorDEOsorSPsorPolicalPares/candidates
ortheiragentsoranyotherperson.
NOTE:Theaboveprocess/procedureshallbefollowedforVVPATalso.
********
![](asset-38.png)
51
SecondrandomizaonofEVMshastobedonebeforepreparaonofEVMs
forpollbycandidatesengastheaddresstagofEVMissealedatthemeof
preparaonofEVM(CandidateSet).Thepurposeofsecondrandomizaon
of EVMs is to allocate EVMs randomly to polling staons. The Returning
ocershouldxthedateofpreparaonofEVMsforpoll(Candidateset)
andinmateallcandidatestoremainpresentorsendtheirrepresentaves
duringtheprocess.Thedateshouldbexedasearlyaspossibleaerthe
lastdateofwithdrawalofcandidaturesandnalizaonofballotpapers.On
thisday,secondrandomizaonshouldbedonebeforedoingtheprocessof
preparaonofEVMsforpollsandCUsandBUsshouldberandomlyallocated
to polling staons. Aer second randomizaon, Polling Staon number
shouldbemarkedintheEVMtrackingsoware,againstthoseBUsandCUs
whichhavebeenassignedpollingstaons.ThoseBUsandCUswhichhave
not been assigned polling staons but are meant to be used in elecons
shouldbemarked“Reserve”intheEVMtrackingsoware.AlistofCUsand
BUsalongwiththenumberofpollingstaonsassignedtothemshouldbe
giventoall the candidates.SimilarlyalistofCUsandBUskeptinreserve
shouldalsobegiventothecandidatesandtheirwrienacknowledgement
taken.
WheremorethanoneBallong Unitisbeing used,theReturningOcers
willensurethat the addionalpreparedBallong Units arealso allocated
randomly to the polling staons. For this purpose there may be two
Scenarios–
7.2.1Scenario1:
PreparaonofEVMsandsecondlevelrandomizaonisalreadyoverbefore
theaddionalBallongUnitsreachtheReturningOcer’sHeadquarters.In
thiscase,anotherrandomizaonforallocangBallongUnitsNo.2/3willbe
donetoallocatetheBallongUnitstothepollingstaonsandthelistofsuch
allocaonshallalsobesuppliedtothePolicalPares/Candidates.
![](asset-39.png)
52
7.2.2Scenario2:
PreparaonofEVMsandsecondlevelrandomizaonisdoneaerthearrival
ofaddionalBallongUnits.Insuchcase,therandomizaonwillbedonein
suchawaythatagainstthepollingstaonnumbertheControlUnitnumber
isshownrstandthentheBallongUnitNo.1andBallongUnitNo2andso
on.
In the constuencies where addional Ballong Units are being used
because of the number of contesng candidates being more than 16
(includingNOTA),thePresidingOcersshouldbespecicallyinstructedto
arrangetheBallongUnitsinthemannerasshowninthegureenclosed
herewithatAnnexure-9.Forthispurpose,thesizeofVongCompartment
shouldbeincreasedproporonallyinsuchawaythattheelectorsarenot
puttoanykindofinconvenienceandatthesamemethesecrecyofballot
isnotcompromisedinanyway.
NOTE: Theaboveprocess/procedureshallbefollowedforVVPATalso.
********
![](asset-3a.png)
53
Preparaon of EVMs/VVPATs for elecons shall be done invariably in the
presence of candidates or their representaves. The Returning Ocer
shall draw a schedule for preparaon of EVMs/VVPATs. Preparaon of
EVMsshouldstartassoonaspossibleaerthelastdateofwithdrawalof
candidatures. Sucient me should be provided for preparaon of EVMs
foreachAssemblyConstuencyinthecaseofAssemblyEleconsandfor
eachassemblysegmentinthecaseof ParliamentaryElecons.Itmaybe
noted that the me required for preparaon of EVMs/VVPATs under the
new instrucons will be suciently more than the me required earlier.
Therefore,thescheduleshouldbexedinsuchamannerthatpreparaonof
EVMs/VVPATsisnotdoneinahurriedmanner.Ideally,theReturningOcer
shouldxbetween3-5daysforeachAssemblySegmentforthispurpose.In
caseofParliamentaryElecons,preparaonofEVMsforassemblysegment
shouldbesupervisedbyAssistantReturningOcers.Thescheduleshould
be made in such a manner that preparaon of EVMs/VVPATs is done for
allthe assembly segmentsin separatehalls andis completedat least 8 –
10 days before the poll. Candidates should be informed in wring of the
schedule forpreparaon of EVMs/VVPATs and should be requested to be
presentorsendtheirrepresentavesatthemeofpreparaonofEVMs/
VVPATs. In the wrien invitaon, conveying schedule for preparaon of
EVMs/VVPATtobesenttotheCandidates,itshallbemenonedthatthey/
their representaves must be present to oversee preparaon of EVMs/
VVPATsandacvelyparcipateinthemockpollprocess.Onthedayofthe
preparaon,aregisterinAnnexure-15willbekeptbytheReturningOcerin
whichthesignaturesofcandidatesortheirrepresentaveswillbetakenas
tokenoftheirpresence.
PreparaonshallbecarriedoutinalargehallwhichcanaccommodateallEVMs
tobeprepared.Thehallshouldbeabletoaccommodateocersnominated
bytheDistrictEleconOcer,engineersofBharatElectronicsLimited(BEL)
/ElectronicsCorporaonof India Limited (ECIL)andalsorepresentavesof
![](asset-3b.png)
54
candidates.Beforethehallisusedforpreparaon,itshallbefullysanized
toensurethatthehallisfreefromanyotherelectronicdeviceorcomponents
ofelectronicdevices.Everyentrytothehallshallbeguardedbypoliceforce.
Everyhallshallhaveadoor-framemetaldetector.Everypersonwhoentersthe
hallshallbefriskedateveryentry.Entrytothishallshallbeonproduconof
IdentyCardoftheauthorizedocials/passesissuedbytheDistrictElecon
Ocer (DEO). Nobody will beallowed to carry any electronic device inside
thehallincludingcellphones,cameraandspypens.Similarly,nobodywillbe
allowedtocarryanythingoutofthepreparaonhall.
Manufacturers shall provide Protocol/checklist on preparaon of EVMs/
VVPATs to DEO/RO beforehand for proper watch on work of Engineers.
DetailedinstruconsofthetaskstobedoneduringpreparaonofBallong
UnitsandControlUnitsofEVMshavebeengiventheHandbookforReturning
Ocers. In addion to these tasks, following addional tasks shall be
performed:-
8.4.1 CheckingofBallongUnits(BUs)–
Outer cover of BUs shall be opened and inside of BU shown to
candidates and their representavesat the me of preparaon of
EVMs.BUshallbeexaminedbyBELandECILengineerswhowillcerfy
asinAnnexure-16thatallcomponentsofBUsareoriginal.IfanyBU
![](asset-3c.png)
55
isfounddefecve,itwillbekeptasideandcanbetakenbacktothe
factoryofBELandECILforrepairs.Norepairsshallbecarriedoutin
theeld.Changingofcomponentsintheeldisstrictlyprohibited.
DetailedinstruconsofcheckingofBUshallbeissuedseparatelyby
BELandECILfortheirrespecvemachines.Theseinstruconswill
includealistofequipmentwhichtheengineerswillberequiredto
carrywithinthepreparaonhall.Securitypersonnelwillnotallow
anyotherequipmenttobecarriedintothepreparaonhall.
8.4.2 TheVVPATsystemshallbepreparedforpollinthefollowingmanner
asmenonedinRule49B[4(c)(i)–(iii)]oftheConductofElecons
Rules,1961:
TheVVPATconsistsofVVPATStatusDisplayUnit(VSDU)andVVPAT
Printer unit. A new baery power pack shall be connected to the
VVPATunit and shut thedoorof the baerycompartment,but no
sealingisrequiredonbaerycompartmentasthepowerpackcanbe
replacediflowbaerystatusisindicatedonVSDUduringthepoll.
A fresh paper roll shall be installed in the printer unit as per the
proceduremenonedintheusermanualforVVPATprovidedbythe
manufacturer()
Serialnumbers,names ofcandidatesand symbolsalloedshall be
loadedinVVPATwiththehelpofengineers.Atestprintoutshallbe
checkedwiththeballotpaperinBallongUnit(BU).
Then one vote to each candidate shall be given to check that the
VVPATisprinngthepaperslipsaccurately.
Installaonofpaperroll Inserngofpowerpack
![](asset-3d.png)
56
Thereaer, switch o the CU and seal the latches of paper roll
compartmentusingthreadsealsandaddresstags.Thecandidates/
their agents shall be allowed to ax their signatures with party
abbreviaonsonAddressTags.
8.4.3 ConductofMockPoll:
DuringcommissioningofEVMsandVVPATs,mockpollof1000votes
willbecaston5%randomlyselectedEVMs,aswellasVVPATs.The
electronicresultshallbetalliedwithpapercount.Candidates/their
representaves shall be allowed to pick machines randomly for
thispurposeandalsotoparcipateintheprocess.Representaves
of candidates shall be allowed to do the mock poll themselves.
Signaturesofrepresentavesofcandidatesshallbetakeninaregister
inAnnexure–18astokenofhavingdonemockpollthemselves.Itmay
beensuredthatthepinkpapersealoftheCUwhichhasbeenapplied
ontheCUatthemeofFLCisnotdamagedinanymannerinthis
process.
8.4.4 SealingofplasccabinetofBUwithpinkpaperseal:
DetailedinstruconsofsealingtheBUwiththreadsealsaremenoned
in the Handbook for Returning Ocers. In addion, the BU shall
besealedwithaspecial“pinkpaperseal”suppliedbyIndiaSecurity
Press,Nasik,inthepresenceofcandidatesortheirrepresentavesat
themeofpreparaonofEVMs.Pinkpapersealshallbexedatthe
lowermostporonoftheBUinsuchamannerthatnocandidate’s
buonorcandidate’sname orsymbolishiddenbytheseal. Aer
axingthepinkpaperseal,BEL/ECILengineershallputhissignature
onthepinkpaperseal.Candidatesortheirrepresentavesshallalso
beallowedtoputtheirsignaturesonthepinkpapersealwithname
ofthe candidate,partybeforethe signature.Candidatesandtheir
representavesshouldalsobeallowedtonotedowntheserialnumber
ofthepinkpapersealoftheCU.AregisterinAnnexure-19shallbe
maintainedtonotedowntheserialno.ofthepinkpapersealusedon
theBallongunitbyclearlymenoninguniqueIDoftheBUandpink
papersealno.Signaturesofcandidatesandtheirrepresentaveswill
alsobeobtainedonthisregister.Photocopiesofthisregisterwillbe
givenfreeofcosttoallcandidatesoncepreparaonisover.
![](asset-3e.png)
57
8.4.5 Supervisionofthepreparaon:
PreparaonshallbesupervisedeitherpersonallybytheROorone
of the AROs deputed by the RO for this purpose. The process of
preparaon of EVM should be fully video-graphed. Manufacturers
shallalso depute Sr.Level EngineersatStateandDistrictlevelsfor
supervisionandcoordinaonduringpreparaonofEVMs/VVPATs.
NOTE: In case any BU or CU does not work properly during
commissioning of EVMs & VVPATs, dispersal of polling pares or
duringmockMock-pollatpollingstaon,theconcernedunit(i.e.in
caseBUdoesnotworkproperly,onlyBUistobereplacedandsimilar
forCU)willbereplacedfromthereserveone.
********
![](asset-3f.png)
58
9.1 WhentheEVMs/VVPATs aretakenout of the strongroomfordispatchto
polling staons, the usual precauon of informing the date and me of
openingofstrongroominwringtothecandidates/agentsshallbefollowed.
9.2 Atthemeofdispatch,thePresidingOcersshallbeadvisedtocompare
themachinenumberinscribedonthemetallabelandtheadhesivescker
andalsoverifythe PS no indicatedon the sckerand compareitwithPS
no. menoned in the address tag before accepng the EVM/VVPATs.
Discrepancy,ifany,shallbebroughttothenoceoftheocerinchargeof
dispatcharrangementandbereconciled.
9.3 ThecandidatesmaybeadvisedtosharethemachinenumberoftheEVM
(bothCU/BU)/VVPATsalloedtothespecicPSwiththeirpollingagent/
agentsappointedbythemsothattheyareinaposiontoinspecttheEVM/
VVPATfortheirsasfaconbeforethecommencementofmockpollatthe
polling staon on the poll day. The Presiding Ocers shall be advised to
showthemachinenumbertotheagentspresentbeforethecommencement
ofthemockpoll.Itisrelevanttonotethataspertheexisnginstrucons
thePresidingOcerissupposedtomenonthenumberofCUused;serial
numberofCUused;numbersofBU/BUsusedandserialnumbersofBU/BUs;
numberofVVPAT(s);serialnumberofVVPATusedatthepollingstaonin
thePresidingOcer’sDiary.Thisinstruconshallbescrupulouslyfollowed.
![](asset-40.png)
59
Thefollowinginstruconsshallbecompliedwithforensuringsafemovementof
EVMsbyZonal/Sector/AreaMagistrates.FollowingcategoryofEVMsmoveonpoll
daywitheitherpollpartyorSector/Zonal/AreaMagistrate:-
Polled EVMs: Those EVMs in which votes polled at polling staons are
recorded and which are closed at the end of poll aer following due
procedure.
Defecve polled EVMs which become defecve aer some votes are
recordedinit.
DefecveunpolledEVMswhichbecomedefecvebeforecommencement
ofpollandarereplaced.
UnusedEVMs:ReserveEVMswhicharewithSector/Zonal/AreaMagistrate,
andarenotusedinactualpoll.
ZonalMagistratesandAreaOcerswhoaregivenEVMsfromreservestock
will maintain a register where the parculars of Ballong Units (BU) and
Control Units (CU) issued to them are menoned and a receipt shall be
obtainedforthemachinesgiventothem.Suchocersshouldalsomaintain
theaccountsofEVMsreplaced,ifany,intheregistermaintainedbythemfor
thispurposedulysignedbytheconcernedPresidingOcers,indicangme
ofreplacement.
Zonal/Sector/Area Ocers should visit every polling staon in their
jurisdiconasmanymesaspossibleonthepolldayandcheckworkingof
EVMsandotherthings.
EVMsofcategory‘A’arestoredinaStrongRoomasperprocedurelaiddown.
EVMsofcategory‘B’arealsostoredseparatelywiththeEVMsofcategory
![](asset-41.png)
60
‘A’inaStrongRoom.InrespectofthiscategoryofEVMs,theSector/Zonal/
Area Magistrate shall keep a record of it and furnish a cercate to the
eect while returning the EVMs of category ‘D’ on the next day of poll.
TheinformaonfurnishedbythemshallbetalliedwithPresidingOcer’s
diarybytheReturningOcerandtheObserverbeforecommencementof
counngofvotes.
EVMsofcategory‘C’arestoredseparatelyinaseparateroomotherthanthe
strongroom.Thesckerofdefecveun-polledEVMsshouldbepastedon
thecarryingcasesofsuchcategoryofBallongUnitsandControlUnits,for
technicalevaluaonofthesamebythemanufacturer.
EVMsofcategory‘D’arealsostoredseparatelyinaseparateroom,other
than the strong room where polled EVMs are kept, by Sector/Zonal/Area
Magistrate.ThesckerofunusedEVMsshouldbepastedonthecarrying
casesofsuchcategoryofBallongUnitsandControlUnits.
ThestoreroomwheretheEVMs of category‘C’and ‘D’ will bekept is to
bedecidedinadvanceandinmatedtothepolicalpares/candidates.It
shouldnotbeinthevicinityofthecolleconandthecounngcentersoasto
arouseanysuspicion.ThiscategoryofEVMsshouldalsonotbecollectedon
thedayofpoll,ratheritshouldbecollectedonthenextdayofpollfromthe
concernedZonal/Sector/AreaOcers.Onthedayofpoll,thesecategories
of EVMs should be in the personal custody of Zonal/Sector/Area Ocers,
astheseareunusedEVMs.Also,properdocumentaonofsuchandother
unusedEVMsistobemadebeforetheyaretransportedtothestoreroom
bytheZonal/Sector/AreaMagistratethemselves.However,forsafestorage
ofEVMsof‘C’and‘D’categoriesbyZonal/Sector/AreaOcersaerpoll,a
separatestorage-roomshallbeearmarkedsothattheseEVMscanbestored
safelybeforedeposinginstoreroomontheverynextday.
NOTE: Theaboveprocess/procedureshallbefollowedforVVPATalso.
![](asset-42.png)
61
Inordertomaintainsecrecyofvoteatthemeofpollanduniformityonuseof
vongcompartments,thefollowinginstruconsshallbestrictlyadheredonuseof
VongCompartmentatPollingStaons–
The vong compartments shall be made only of corrugated plasc sheet
(ex-board)ofsteelgreycolour,whichisopaqueandreusable.
TheVongCompartmentshallbeinthreefolds,eachfoldhavingdimension
of 24"X24”X30" (Length X Width X Height). Increased height of 30” is
mandatory.
Allthethreesidesofthevongcompartmentsshallbeprintedasmenoned
at.
Theheightofthetableonwhichthevongcompartmentisplacedshould
be30”asshownat.
IfmorethanoneBUisusedforpoll,thewidthofthevongcompartment
may be increased 12” for each addional BU. Where addional Ballong
Unitsarebeingused,PresidingOcersshallarrangetheBallongUnitsin
themannerasshownatWhileplacingtheEVMinthevong
compartment,itmustbeensuredwithoutfailthatsecrecyofvongisnot
violated.Forthispurpose,itmustbeensuredthatitisnotnearthewindow
orthedoorofthepollingstaon.
TheinterconnecngcableofBallongUnit/VVPATshouldbesoroutedthat
itdoesnotobstructthemovementofvotersinsidethepollingstaonandtheydo
nottreadortripoverit,but
.
TheCommissionhasfurtherdirectedthat
1. Properelectricityarrangementsshouldbemadeatthepollingstaons.
2. High voltage incandescent bulbs/tube-light should not be placed over or
frontofthevongcompartment.
![](asset-43.png)
62
3. VongCompartmentshouldbeplacedinsuchawaythat
(a) sucientlightisavailableinsidethevongcompartment.
(b) nodirectlighngisplacedoverorinfrontofthevongcompartment.
(c) secrecyofvongisnotviolated.
(d) vongcompartmentisnotplacednearthewindow/door.
NOTE: Thesizeofthevongcompartmentasspeciedaboveincludestheuseof
VVPAT.
*******
![](asset-44.png)
63
InordertoensurethattheconductofthePresidingOcerandotherpollingsta,
innowaygivesscopeforanycomplaint,theCommissionhasissuedthefollowing
instruconsforstrictadherence:-
12.1 The D.E.O shall supply a printed sample of EVM Ballong unit pasted on
acardboard(realsize)toallthepresidingocersalongwithotherpolling
materialsatthemeofdispatch.Whileprinngsuchmodelballot,careshall
betakentoensurethatonlydummynameanddummysymbolsthatarenot
inuse,areusedandnotanyrealnamesorsymbols.Itshallbeprintedincolor
sothat‘bluebuon’‘greenlight’and‘redlight’etc.areclearlyrepresented.
12.2 WheneveranyvoterasksforhelporexpressesinabilitytovoteusingEVM,
thepresidingocercanexplaintothevoterthevongprocessusingthe
cardboardmodeloftheEVMballotinsuchamannerthatthevoterisableto
understand.Thisshallbedoneoutsidethevongcompartmentonlyinthe
presenceofpollingagentsandneverinsidethevongcompartment.
12.3 The Presiding Ocer or other polling sta shall not frequent the vong
compartmentasthatmaygivescopeforcomplaints.
12.4 Inordertoensurethatnovoterhascommiedanymischiefbypasngany
paper,tapesetc.,onthesymbol/names/ballotbuon,thepresidingocer
may from me to me make an inspecon of Ballong unit (BU)- but he
shouldmakeitapointtodosointheimmediatepresenceofpollingagents
whenthereisnovoterinsidethevongcompartment.
12.5 Anycomplaintabouttheconductofthepollingstaatthepollingstaon
shall be taken seriously and properly enquired. The Observers are being
instructed to take serious note of such complaints and conduct or cause
enquiryintosuchallegaonsandsubmitreportstotheCommission.
12.6 All the CUs/BUs/VVPATs alloed to Polling Staons as well as the reserve
machinesshall bekeptinthestrongroominthepresenceofcandidates/
agents.Theycanalsobeallowedtoaxtheirsealonthelockofthestrong
room.
********
![](asset-45.png)
64
Mockpollshallbeconductednormallyonehourbeforethescheduledhour
of commencement of poll. All contesng candidates should be informed
inwringwellinadvancethatmockpollwouldstartonehourbeforethe
commencementofpollandtheyshouldbeadvisedtoinstructtheirpolling
agentstobepresentinmeforthemockpoll.Pollingagentsofatleasttwo
candidatesshouldbepresentatthemeofMockPoll.However,ifpolling
agentsofatleasttwocandidatesarenotpresent,thePresidingOcermay
waitfor15moreminutesbeforeconducngthemockpollandiftheagents
sll do not come, then the Presiding Ocer may go ahead and start the
mockpoll.Itisfurtherclariedthataerwaingfor15minutes,thereisa
possibilitythatonlyonePollingagentmaybepresent,inthatsituaonalso,
thePresidingOcershouldgoaheadandstartmockpoll.Insuchcase,there
shouldbespecicmenoninthemockpollcercateonthisaspect.
13.2 During the mock poll, BU and VVPAT should be placed in the Vong
Compartment,whereaPollingOcershouldbepresentalongwithpolling
agentstoobserve.TheCUandVSDUshouldbeplacedonthetableofthe
PresidingOcer/PollingOcer.ThisPollingOcerwillkeeparecordofthe
votescast.
13.3 Themockpollshouldbeconductedwiththepollingagentsvongatrandom
foreach of the contesng candidates. A total of at least 50 votes should
bepolledinthemockpoll.Inthecaseofabsenceofpollingagentsofany
of the candidates, one of the polling ocers or other polling agents may
record the votes for such candidates. The polling ocers present in the
VongCompartmentshouldensurethatvotesarerecordedforeachofthe
contesngcandidates.Aerthemockpoll,PresidingOcerwillascertain
the result in the CU, count the VVPAT paper slips in the presence of the
pollingagentsandconrmthattheresultstallyforeachcandidate.
13.4 AllmockpolldatainCUandVVPATpaperslipsfromVVPATmustberemoved
by the Presiding Ocer and the empty drop box veried by the Polling
Agents.
13.5 The mock poll VVPAT paper slips, should be stamped on their back side
![](asset-46.png)
65
withrubberstamphavinginscripon
mockpollVVPATpaperslipsshallbe
kept in an envelope made of thick
blackpaperandsealedwiththeseal
of the Presiding Ocer. The sample
imageofthesaidstampisasunder:
(Thedimensionsofthestamptobeusedforthepurposeshouldbe3cmsX
1.5cms)
13.6 ThePresidingOcerandpollingagentsmustputtheirsignaturesonthe
envelope.Thenumberandnameofthepollingstaon,numberandname
ofAssemblyConstuency,dateofpollandthewords“VVPATpaperslipsof
MockPoll”shallbewrienontheenvelope.
13.7 Thisenvelopemustbekeptinthespecialplascboxformockpollandsealed
withapinkpapersealplacedallaroundinsuchamannerthatopeningof
theboxwillrequirebreakingoftheseal.
13.8 Thenumberandnameofthepollingstaon,numberandnameofAssembly
Constuencyandthedateofpollshallbewrienontheplascbox.
13.9 The Presiding Ocer and Polling Agents must put their signatures on the
pinkpaperseal and keeptheboxalongwith other documentsrelangto
elecons. Thereaer, Presiding Ocer will sign the Mock Poll Cercate
()andsealtheCU.
13.10
The drop box of VVPAT should be sealed with an address tag before the
actualpollstarts.
13.11
ThePresidingOcersshallensurethatthedataofthemockpollisdeleted,
withoutfail,beforetheocialpollstarts.Thisisverycricalstepandthis
shouldbeemphasizedduringtraining.
13.12
The Presiding Ocers shall menon the names of the Polling agents and
thecandidates(andtheirpartyaliaons),whomtheyrepresentandalso
obtaintheirsignaturesonthecompleonofmockpollonthecercate.
13.13
Where a micro-observer has been appointed at any polling staons,
he should also parcipate in all the proceeding of the mock poll and his
signatureshouldalsobeobtainedonthemockpollcercate.Further,these
proceedings should be videographed wherever videography arrangement
hasbeenmadeatapollingstaon.
![](asset-47.png)
66
13.14
The Returning Ocer through the Sector Ocers and using the
communicaon link with the polling staon/ mobile teams, shall
tracktheconductorotherwiseofmockpoll,andascertainthemock
pollstatus.Non-conrmaonofmockpollcouldbeindicaveofnon-
commencementofpollandinthatcasetheReturningOcershall
makeimmediateintervenontosortouttheproblem.
13.15
The polling staons not having the presence of agents of the
candidatesofrecognizedparesandwherethemockpollhadtobe
conductedintheabsenceofagentsorwiththepollingagentofonly
onecandidateshallmeritfocusedaenonoftheeleconmachinery.
Intervenonssuchasdeploymentofmicro-observers,deploymentof
videocameras(ifnotalreadydone),frequentvisitsbysectorocers
andotherseniorocersshouldbeensuredinsuchcases.
13.16.1.
In case the CU or the BU does not work properly during actual
poll,replacementofthewholeEVMincludingCU,BUandVVPATis
required. However, in such case only one vote to each contesng
candidateincludingNOTAshouldbepolledinthemockpoll.
13.16.2.
Aerthemockpoll,PresidingOcerwillascertaintheresultinthe
CU,counttheVVPATpaperslipsinthepresenceofthepollingagents
andconrmthattheresultstallyforeachcandidate.
13.16.3.
AllmockpolldatainCUandVVPATpaperslipsfromVVPATmustbe
removedbythePresidingOcerandtheemptydropboxveriedby
thePollingAgents.
13.16.4.
ThemockpollVVPATpaperslips,shouldbestampedontheirbackside
withrubberstamphavinginscripon“MOCKPOLLSLIP”,thereaer
thesemockpollVVPATpaperslipsshallbekeptinanenvelopemade
ofthickblackpaperandsealedwiththesealofthePresidingOcer.
Thesampleimageofthesaidstampisasunder:
![](asset-48.png)
67
(Thedimensionsofthestamptobeusedforthepurposeshouldbe
3cmsX1.5cms)
13.16.5.
ThePresidingOcerandpollingagentsmustputtheirsignatureson
theenvelope.Thenumberandnameofthepollingstaon,number
and name of Assembly Constuency, date of poll and the words
“VVPAT paper slips pertaining to Mock Poll conducted in case of
replacementofwholesetofEVMandVVPAT”shallbewrienonthe
envelope.
13.16.6.
Thisenvelopemustbekeptinthespecialplascboxformockpoll
andsealedwithapinkpapersealplacedallaroundinsuchamanner
thatopeningoftheboxwillrequirebreakingoftheseal.
13.16.7.
Thenumberandnameofthepollingstaon,numberandnameof
AssemblyConstuencyandthedateofpollshallbewrienonthe
plascbox.
13.16.8.
ThePresidingOcerandPollingAgentsmustputtheirsignatureson
thepinkpaperseal and keepthe boxalong withotherdocuments
relangtoelecons.Thereaer,PresidingOcerwillsigntheanother
MockPollCercateandsealtheCUandVVPAT.
13.16.9.
ThedropboxofVVPATshouldbesealedwithanaddresstagbefore
theactualpollstarts.
NOTE:IncaseofreplacementofonlyVVPATduringactualpoll.Nomockpollwill
beconducted.
IthasbeenbroughttothenoceoftheCommissionthatintheelecons
wherepost–2006makeEVMswereused,insomecases,thedateandme
of start and end of poll displayed in the Control Unit of EVM during the
process of counng of votes did not match with Indian Standard Time of
startandendofpollleadingtoconfusioninthemindsofstakeholders.This
canonlyhappenifthedateandmedisplayedintheControlUnitarenot
checkedatthemeofCandidateSetprocedureandalsoatthemeofpoll.
Toremovesuchconfusioninfuture,theCommissionhasdecidedtoissue
thefollowinginstruconinthisregard:
13.17.1
The display of date and me in the ControlUnit of the EVM shall
becheckedeachmethepowerswitchofControlUnitisswitched
![](asset-49.png)
68
on during the process of First Level Checking of EVM and again at
the me of Preparaon of EVM by Returning Ocer. In case any
dierence from Indian Standard Time is noced the clock shall be
recalibratedbytheengineersoftheBEL/ECIL.
13.17.2
ThePresidingOcer,attheendofMockPollatthepollingstaon,
shallinvariablycheckandnotethedateandmeshowninthedisplay
oftheControlUnitandalsotheactualdateandmeatthatpointof
measwellasanydiscrepancybetweenthetwo,ifany,intheMock
Pollcercate(Annexure-21)andalsoinPresidingOcers'Diary.
13.17.3
Atthemeofclosureofpoll,thepresidingocershallmakeanote
ofthePollenddateandmedisplayedontheCUinthepresiding
ocer’sdiary.
13.17.4
During the process of counng of votes, a copy of the Mock Poll
cercatepreparedbythePresidingOcershallbebroughttothe
counngtablewiththeControlUnitpertainingtothatpollingstaon.
![](asset-4a.png)
69
DURING ACTUAL POLL
14.1.ROLEOFPOLLINGPARTIES:
OneextrapollingocialmustbeprovidedtohandletheVVPATunit
whileconstungpollingpares.Thispollingocialshouldhandle
VVPATunitandalsowatchVSDUconnuouslyduringpollprocess.
The ocial shall immediately inform the Presiding Ocer of any
errornocedinVSDU.Atthemeofdispersalofpollingpares,two
copiesoftheTroubleshoonginstruconsandListof
addionalitemsofpollingmaterialsshallbehanded
overtothePresidingOcers.
Adequatenumbersofblackpaperenvelopesandplascboxesmay
alsobeprocuredforstoringthepaperballotslipsfromtheVVPAT.
NOTE:IncaseofM3VVPAT,noextrapollingocialisrequiredtohandletheM3
VVPATasthereisnoVSDUwithM3VVPATanderrorrelatedtoVVPATdisplayson
CUitself.
14.2.1
WRONGPRINTINGCOMPLAINT
Ifanyvoterallegesaboutthewrongprinngofparcularsofacandidateand/
orsymbolofthatcandidateonVVPATpaperslipprintedbytheprinteron
pressingofconcernedblue(candidate)buonontheBallongUnittowhich
theprinterisconnected,thePresidingOcerofthepollingstaonshould
providehima‘FormofDeclaraon’tolodgeacomplaintand
followtheprocedureprescribedunderrule49MA,whichreadsasunder:
“49MA.Procedureincaseofcomplaintaboutparcularsprintedonpaper
slip-
Whereprinterforpapertrailisused,ifanelectoraerhavingrecorded
hisvoteunderrule49Mallegesthatthepaperslipgeneratedbythe
printer has shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than
the one he voted for, the presiding ocer shall obtain a wrien
declaraonfromtheelectorastotheallegaon,aerwarningthe
electorabouttheconsequenceofmakingafalsedeclaraon.
![](asset-4b.png)
70
Iftheelectorgivesthewriendeclaraonreferredtoinsub-rule(1),
thepresidingocershallmakeasecondentryrelatedtothatelector
inForm17A,andpermittheelectortorecordatestvoteinthevong
machine in his presence and in the presence of the candidates or
pollingagentswhomaybepresentinthepollingstaon,andobserve
thepaperslipgeneratedbytheprinter.
Iftheallegaonisfoundtrue,thepresidingocershallreportthe
factsimmediatelytothereturningocer,stopfurtherrecordingof
votesinthatvongmachineandactasperthedireconthatmaybe
givenbytheReturningOcer.
If,however,theallegaonisfoundtobefalseandthepaperslipso
generatedundersub-rule(1)matcheswiththetestvoterecordedby
theelectorundersub-rule(2),then,thepresidingocershall-
makearemarktothateectagainstthesecondentryrelangtothat
electorinForm17Amenoningtheserialnumberandnameofthe
candidateforwhomsuchtestvotehasbeenrecorded;
Obtainthesignatureorthumbimpressionofthatelectoragainstsuch
remarks;andmakenecessaryentriesregardingsuchtestvoteinitem
5inPartIofForm17C.”.
14.2.2.
HANDLINGCONTINGENCIESDURINGPOLL:
Certain conngencies may arise during the polling process, which
mayrequirecertainacons.Theseareasfollows:-
IncasetheVSDUisshowing“LowBaery”,thepowerpackbaery
ofVVPATshouldbereplaced.Itshouldbeensuredthatbeforetaking
outthepowerpackbaeryofVVPAT,controlunitmustbeswitched
OFF and aer installing new power pack baery in VVPAT, control
unitshouldbeswitchedON.ControlUnitshouldnotbeswitchedON
withoutinstallingpowerpackinVVPAT.
In case there is any other error, like “Paper Low” error, the VVPAT
will stop prinng and the error shall be displayed on the VSDU. In
![](asset-4c.png)
71
Therefore,if VVPAThasnot printedthepaperslip, or
theprintedpapersliphasnotbeencut,thelastvoterwhosepaper
sliphas not beenprintedbyVVPAT or has not been cutshould be
allowedtocasthisvoteaertheVVPAThasbeenreplaced.Incase
theprintedpapersliphasnotbeencutandishangingfromthepaper
roll, no eort should be made to make it fall into the drop box. It
shouldbeallowedtoremainhangingasitmeansthatthevotehas
notbeenrecordedinControlUnitandasitisnottobecountedat
themeofcounngoftheprinted-paperslips.Thedetailsofsuchan
occurrenceshouldbeclearlyrecordedinthePresidingOcer’sdairy
inthefollowingformat:-
Thedateandmeoftheoccurrence.
Thenameofthevoterandhisserialnumberinthepartintheelectoral
roll,whowasallowedtocasthisvoteaerreplacementofVVPAT.
WhetherthevotercasthisvoteaerreplacementofVVPATorwent
awaywithoutcasnghisvote.
TheTotalnumberofvotescastbeforetheoccurrence.
In case of conngencies, the Presiding Ocers may also refer to
forsoluons.
![](asset-4d.png)
72
15.1 In case of re-poll, the EVM required for re-poll shall be drawn from the
reserve list and the CU/BU number shall be informed to the candidates/
agentsinwring.Careshallbetakentoensurethattheaddresstagonthe
CUandBUclearlymenonsittobetheEVMforuseinthere-pollindicang
thedateandPSno.
15.2 Incaseofre-poll,apre-printedself-adhesivescker“Re-pollEVM”shallbe
pastedontheEVM(CU&BU)aswellascarryingcasesofthe EVMtobe
used forre-poll. Aer re-poll the strong room shall be re-opened in the
presenceofthecandidates/theiragentsandobserverforthestorageofthe
re-polledEVM.Thisre-polledEVMshouldbeplacedtogetherwiththeold
EVMwhichwasusedearlierintheoriginalpoll.Atthemeofplacingthe
‘Re-pollEVM’aerre-pollinthestrongroom,anotherpre-printedscker
with shall be pasted on the re-polled EVM.
Anotherpre-printedsckershallbeputprominently
ontheoldEVM,toremoveanyconfusionatthemeofcounng.
15.3 Incaseofre-poll,theuniqueIDnumberoftheCUandBUsusedinre-poll
shouldbeenteredintheEVMtrackingsoware.
NOTE: Theaboveprocess/procedureshallbefollowedforVVPATalso.
![](asset-4e.png)
73
16.1.1
Atthemeofcounng,onlytheCUsarenormallyneeded.BUsneed
notbetakentotheCounngHall.Beforestarngthecounnginthe
CU,theuniqueIDnumberoftheCU,theUniqueIDnumberofthe
PinkPaperSealandtheuniqueIDnumberofGreenpapersealshould
beveriedfromtherecordandshowntothepollingagents.
16.1.2
In EVMs, the Poll start date and me and poll end date and me
displayedontheCUshouldbeveriedfromtherecordandshownto
thepollingagents.
16.2 Procedureincaseofdiscrepancyinthedateandmeofstartandend
ofpoll
16.2.1
Incaseofanydiscrepancyinthedateandmeofstartandendofpoll
displayedintheControlUnitwithIndianStandardTimeofstartand
endofpoll,thedierencewillbecomparedwiththedateandme
notedbyPresidingOcerinthemockpollcercate.
16.2.2
Ifthedateandmedierenceatthemeofmockpolldoesnotmatch
withthedateandmedierenceofstartandendofpollatthemeof
counng,theEVMwillbekeptasideandthemaerwillbereferredto
theCommissionforitsdecision.Ifonotherhand,thedierenceofdate
andmeatthemeofmockpollmatcheswiththedierenceofdate
andmeof startand endofpollnocedatthe meofcounng,the
discrepancywillbeexplainedtothecandidatesandtheirrepresentaves
andthevotespolledintheEVMwillbecountedintheusualmanner.
Thefollowingaconbetakenduringcounngofvotes,insuchcircumstances,
inthepresenceofcandidates/theirauthorizedagents,undervideography:-
16.3.1
IncaseanyControlUnitdoesnotdisplayresultduetonot-pressing
of “Close” buon by the Presiding Ocer in the polling staon at
thecloseofpoll,itshouldbekeptbackinsideitscarryingcaseand
thenbekeptintheReturningOcer’scustodyinthecounnghall.
Counngofvotesinothermachinesshouldconnueasusual.
![](asset-4f.png)
74
16.3.2
When counng of votes in other machines is completed, the
Returning Ocer and Observer should see whether the margin of
votesbetweentherstcandidateandtherunnerupismoreorless
thanthevotespolledinsuchmachine(s).
16.3.3
Inboththecaseswherethemarginofvotesismoreorlessthanthe
totalvotespolledinthatmachine(s),theReturningOcer/Counng
Supervisorshallpressthe“Total”buonoftheControlUnittosee
thetotalvotespolledinthatmachine(s).Incase,totalvotespolled
inthemachine(s)tallieswiththetotalvotespolledmenonedinthe
Form-17 C, the Returning Ocer/Counng Supervisor shall press
the“Close”buonoftheControlUnit(s)sothat“Result”buoncan
bepressedforgengresultdataexplainingtheenreissuetothe
candidatesand/ortheirauthorisedagentsandrecordingaproceeding
inthisbehalfwiththesignaturesofthecandidates/theirauthorised
agents. In such a case, the Returning Ocer and Observer should
sendadetailedreporttotheCommissionintheformatmenonedat
Annexure-25.
16.3.4
Incase,totalvotespolledinthemachine(s)doesnottallywiththe
totalvotespolledmenonedintheForm-17C,themaershouldbe
referredbytheReturningOcertotheCommissionforitsdecision
andaconmaybetakenasperthedireconoftheCommission.In
such a case, the Returning Ocer and Observer should also send
a detailed report to the Commission in the format menoned at
Annexure-17, where the margin of votes between the candidates
havinghighestvoteandtherunnerupismorethanthevotespolled
in the Control Unit in queson, and in Annexure-26, where such
marginisless.
ThefollowingacontobetakenincaseControlUnitdoesnotdisplayresult
duringcounngofvotes:-
a) IncaseanyControlUnitdoesnotdisplayresult,itshouldbekeptback
inside its carrying case and then be kept in the Returning Ocer’s
custody in the counng hall. Counng of votes in other machines
shouldconnueasusual.
![](asset-50.png)
75
b) ResultfromsuchControlUnit(s)willnotberetrievedusingAuxiliary
DisplayUnitorPrinter.
c) Aer compleon of counng of votes from all the Control Units,
the VVPAT unit(s) of the respecve polling staon(s) should be
broughttotheCounngTable(s).ThecounngofVVPATpaperslips
oftherespecveVVPATshallbecountedasthecounngprocedure
prescribedbytheCommission.
d) Thereaer, counng of printed paper slips of VVPAT(s) under Rule
56DoftheConductofEleconsRules1961shouldbetakenup,ifany.
A report regarding counng of printed ballot slips of VVPAT is to be sent
tothe Commission in the followingformatthroughChief ElectoralOcer
concernedforinformaon.
S.No. No.&Name
ofAssembly
Constuency
Polling
Staon
No.
Unit
IDof
VVPAT
UnitIDofControlUnitforwhich
VVPATpaperslipscounted
Non-retrievalof
resultfromCU
UnderRule56D
oftheConductof
EleconsRules,1961
Aer announcement of result sheet entries, any candidate, their elecon
agentortheircounngagentsmayapplyinwringtotheROtocountthe
printedVVPATpaperslipsinanyorallpollingstaons.Ifsuchapplicaonis
made,theROshallpassaspeakingorderonwhethertheVVPATpaperslips
should be counted. If the RO decides to allow the counng of the VVPAT
paperslipsofanyorallpolling staons,suchdecisionof the ROmustbe
recordedinwringalongwith the reasonsthereof.TheROshall givedue
consideraontothefollowing:
Whetherthe totalnumberofvotespolled in thatpolling staonis
greaterorlesserthanthemarginofvotesbetweenwinningcandidate
andcandidatemakingtheapplicaon
WhetherEVMhadaproblemandwasreplacedatthatpollingstaon
duringpoll
Whether there was any complaint about VVPAT not prinng or
![](asset-51.png)
76
complaints by any voter under Rule 49MA in that polling staon
duringthepoll.
vericaonofVVPATpaperslipsofrandomlyselected01(one)
pollingstaonshallbeconductedinallfutureGeneralandByeEleconsto
theHouseofthePeopleandStateLegislaveAssemblies, to the
provisions of Rule 56D of theConduct of Elecons Rules, 1961, aer the
compleonofthelastroundofcounngofvotesrecordedintheEVMs,as
under:
a) IncaseofGeneralandByeeleconstoStateLegislaveAssemblies,
vericaonofVVPATpaperslipsofrandomlyselected01(one)polling
staonperAssemblyConstuency.
b) In case of General and Bye elecons to the House of the People,
vericaonofVVPATpaperslipsofrandomlyselected01(one)polling
staonofeachAssemblySegmentoftheParliamentaryConstuency
concerned.
For this mandatory vericaon of VVPAT paper slips, the following
procedureshallbefollowed:
16.6.1.
ThevericaonofVVPATpaperslipsofrandomlyselected01(one)
polling staon for each Assembly Constuency/Segment shall be
takenupaerthecompleonofthelastroundofcounngofvotes
recordedintheEVMs.
16.6.2.
The random selecon of 01 (one) polling staon per Assembly
Constuency/SegmentshallbedonebyDrawoflots,bytheReturning
Ocerconcerned,inthepresenceofcandidates/theiragentsandthe
GeneralObserverappointedbytheCommissionforthatConstuency.
16.6.3.
Thedrawoflotsmustbeconductedimmediatelyaerthecompleon
ofthelastroundofcounngofvotesrecordedintheEVMs(Control
Units) in the designated Counng Hall for the parcular Assembly
Constuency/AssemblySegment.
16.6.4.
A wrien inmaon regarding the conduct of draw of lots for the
randomseleconof01(one)pollingstaonforvericaonofVVPAT
SlipsshallbegivenbytheReturningOcertotheCandidates/their
eleconagentswellinadvance.
![](asset-52.png)
77
16.6.5.
Thefollowingprocedureshallbefollowedfortheconductofdrawof
lots:
a) Whitecolourpapercardsofpostcardsizeshallbeusedforconducng
thedrawoflots.
b) Totalnumberofsuchpapercardsshouldbeequaltototalnumberof
pollingstaonsintheAssemblyConstuency.
c) The paper cards shall have pre-printed Assembly Constuency/
AssemblySegmentnumber,AC/ASnameanddateofpollingonthe
top,andthepollingstaonnumberinthecentre.Eachdigitofthe
pollingstaonnumbershallbeatleast1"x1"(1inchby1inch)size
andprintedinblackink.
d) Thepapercardstobeusedfordrawoflotsshouldbefour-foldedin
suchawaythatpollingstaonnumberisnotvisible.
e) Eachpapercardshallbeshowntothecandidates/theiragentsbefore
foldinganddroppinginthecontainer.
f) Thepapercardsshallbekeptinthebigcontainerandmustbeshaken
beforepickingup01(one)slipbytheReturningOcer.
16.6.6.
ThevericaonofVVPATpaperslipsshallbedoneina'VVPATCounng
Booth'(VCB),speciallypreparedforthispurposeinsidetheCounng
Hall. The booth shall be enclosed in a wire mesh just like a bank
cashier’s cabin so that no VVPAT paper slip can be accessed by any
unauthorizedperson.OneoftheCounngtablesintheCounngHall
canbeconvertedintotheVCBandcanbeusedfornormalcounngof
round-wiseEVMvotesbeforethecountofVVPATslipsasperrandom
seleconaerthecompleonofround-wiseEVMcounng.
16.6.7.
The Vericaon count of the VVPAT paper slips of the randomly
selected 01 (one) polling staon shall be conducted strictly in
accordancewiththeinstruconsoftheCommissiononcounngof
printedpaperslips.
16.6.8.
TheReturningOcerandAssistantReturningOcer,asthecasemay
be, shall personally supervise the counng of VVPAT paper slips at
thisbooth.TheGeneralObserverconcernedshallensurecloseand
carefulobservaonoftheenreexerciseandensurestrictcompliance
oftheCommission'sinstrucons.
![](asset-53.png)
78
16.6.9.
Theaboveprocessshallbefullyvideographed.
16.6.10.
Aer compleon of the above process, the Returning Ocer shall
giveacercateintheannexedformat.
16.7.ARRANGEMENTSFORCOUNTINGOFVVPATPAPERSLIPS:
OneoftheCounngTablesinsidetheCounngHallshallbeearmarked
bytheReturningOcerasVVPATCounngBooth(VCB)forCounng
ofVVPATPaperSlips.
VCBshallbeenclosedinawire-meshjustlikeaBankCashierCabin,
so that no VVPAT paper slip can be accessed by any unauthorised
person.
16.8.PROCEDURETOCOUNTVVPATPAPERSLIPS:
IftheROdecidestocounttheprintedpaperslipsofanypollingstaon(s)on
anappealforrecounngofanypollingstaon(s),thefollowingprocedures
shallbestrictlyfollowed:
:
a) ForkeepingVVPATPaperSlipstaken out fromtheDropBoxof the
VVPAT,asucientlysizedcontainerwithlid,ofdimensions14inchX
10inchX5inch(lengthxbreadthxheight),toeasilyaccommodate
around1400PrintedPaperSlips,shallbekeptonthetableofVCB.This
Containershouldbemadeofsturdytransparentmateriallikeplasc
etc.SampleimagesoftheContainerareavailablein.
b) For keeping VVPAT paper slips of the respecve candidates, a
PigeonholeFrameworkshallbepreparedinadvanceaccordingtothe
numberofcandidatesincludingNOTA,withoneaddionalpigeonhole
forkeepingself-testslipsoftheVVPAT,andshallbekeptonthetable
ofVCB.
i) The minimum number of Pigeonholes in the Framework must be
equaltothenumberofcandidatesplus2(two).
ii) Thesizeofeachcompartment(Pigeonhole)mustbeatleast6inchX
4inchX4inch(lengthxbreadthxheight).
iii) The pigeonhole structure should be made of sturdy transparent
material like plasc etc, having a xed base, to prevent any VVPAT
paperslipfromslippingunderneath.
![](asset-54.png)
79
iv) ThesymbolofeachcontesngcandidateaspertheBallotPapershould
be axed on the wall of the pigeonhole alloed to the parcular
candidates. The symbol should be printed in black and white on a
plainpaper of minimum size4inchX 3 inch. Sampleimagesofthe
PigeonholeFrameworkareplacedin.
c) At least 100 Rubber bands for making bundles of 25 VVPAT paper
slips.
:
The VVPAT unit(s) of the respecve polling staon(s) should be
broughttotheVCBonebyone,asthecasemaybe.
IncaseaVVPATunitwasreplacedduringpollatthatpollingstaon,
alltheVVPATunitsusedatthatpollingstaonshouldbebroughtto
theVCB.
:
TheprintedpaperslipsshallbetakenoutfromalltheVVPATsused
atthepollingstaon,beforebeginningthecounngofVVPATpaper
slipsforthatpollingstaon.
Before taking out the VVPAT Paper Slips from the drop box, the
addresstag(s)ofthedropboxshallbecrosscheckedtoascertainthat
theVVPATpertainstotherespecvepollingstaon.
a) TheVVPATPaperSlipstakenoutfromtheDropBoxoftheVVPATshall
berstkeptinthecontainerasperspecicaonatstep-1(i).
b) AertakingouttheVVPATpaperslipsfromDropBox,theCounng
Supervisor shall ensure that no VVPAT paper slip is le inside the
VVPATdropboxandshowtheemptydropboxtothecounngagents.
c) IncaseaVVPATunitwasreplaced,itmaysohappenthatanuncut
fullyorparallyVVPATpaperslipishangingandhasnotgotcutand
droppedinthedropboxandsllconnectedtothepaperroll.This
uncutVVPATpaperslipshouldnotbetornandshouldnotbecounted
becausethevoteisnotrecordedelectronicallyintheCUunlessthe
VVPATpaperslipiscut.Insuchanevent,thelastvoterwhoseVVPAT
paperslipwasnotcutwouldhavebeengivenanopportunitytocast
hisvoteaerreplacementofVVPATandtheVVPATpaperslipofthe
votecastbyhimshallbeinthenextVVPATusedinthatpollingstaon.
![](asset-55.png)
80
d) The drop box of the VVPAT will also have VVPAT slips of self-test
report. These areeasily idened, as theydo not haveeither the
nameorthesymbolofanycandidate.Theseself-testreportslipsare
tobepreservedalongwiththeVVPATpaperslipsaspartoftherecord
buttheyarenottobecounted.
:
i) TheVVPATpaperslipsshouldbesegregatedone-by-oneandputin
respecvepigeonholesaershowingeachsliptotheCounngAgents.
Thepaperslipsbearingself-testsreportshallalsobesegregatedand
putinaseparatepigeonholeprovidedforthepurpose.
ii) Bundles of 25VVPAT paper slips of respecve candidates shall be
preparedforcounngpurpose.
iii) VVPATPaperSlipsshallthenbecountedbythecounngsta.
iv) ResultoftheVVPATpaperslipscountshallbepreparedintheformatas
perandaachedtoPart-IIofForm17-C.
v) TheresultofthecountofVVPATpaperslipsshallbeannouncedloudly
inthecounnghallandshowntothecounngagents.
vi) AsperRule56D(4)(b)oftheConductofEleconsRules1961,ifthere
is any discrepancy between EVM count and paper slip count, the
paperslipcountshallprevail.Hence,ifthereisdiscrepancybetween
the count of votes displayed on the Control Unit and thecount of
printed-paperslipsinrespectofthatPollingStaon,theresultsheet
willbeamendedaspertheprinted-paperslipscount.
:
Aer compleon of counng of VVPAT paper slips, the bundles of
alltheVVPATPaperSlipsshallbekeptbackintheDropBoxofthe
respecve VVPAT and door of the Drop Box shall be sealed using
addresstags.
The candidate(s)/their agents may also be allowed to ax their
signaturewithpartyabbreviaonontheAddressTags.
Aer compleon of counng, all such Control Units whether result has
beenretrievedfromitornot,theControlUnitshouldbekeptbackinside
![](asset-56.png)
81
itscarryingcase.Thecarryingcasesshouldthenbesealedonceagain.The
ReturningOcerandObservershouldputtheirsignaturesontheseal.All
candidates and their elecon agents should also be allowed to put their
signatureontheseal.TheControlUnitshould be then keptinthestrong
room(s).
16.10.
STORAGEofEVMs&VVPATsaercounngofvotes:
Aercompleonofcounngofvotes,EVMsandVVPATscontainingprinted
paperslipsinitsDropbox,shallbekeptinthesamestrongroomwithout
removingPowerPacksofControlUnitsandPowerPacksandPaperRollsof
VVPATs.
The Strong room shall not be opened ll compleon of Elecon
Peon (EP) period i.e. ll EP list is received from respecve High
Court.
Aer compleon of Elecon Peon Period, the exact EP posion
shouldbeascertainedfromHighCourtconcernedbeforeopeningthe
strongroom.
16.11.
STORAGEOFVVPATPAPERSLIPSAFTEREXPIRYOFPERIODOFFILINGOF
ELECTIONPETITIONS:
AerexpiryoftheperiodoflingofEleconPeons(EPs)i.e.45-daysfrom
thedateofdeclaraonofresult,DistrictEleconOcersshallascertainthe
posionofEPfromtheconcernedHighCourt.Aerobtainingthestatusof
EPfromtheHighCourtconcerned,thefollowingaconshallbetaken:
EveryVVPATusedinaneleconandkeptinthecustodyoftheDistrict
EleconOcershallbekeptuntouched,underthestandardprotocol
ofsecurity,llconrmaonofEleconpeonposionfromtheHigh
CourtconcernedaerthecompleonoftheperiodforlingElecon
Peoni.e.45daysfromthedateofdeclaraonoftheresult.
In the case of elecons, where no elecon peon has been led
ornoothercourtcasesarepending,aertheaforesaidperiod,the
VVPATsshallbeavailableforuseinanyfutureeleconoranyother
purpose like training, awareness, movement, physical vericaon
etc.
BeforemovinganyVVPAT,printedpaperslipsshallbetakenoutfrom
Drop-boxoftheVVPATsasperproceduremenonedbelow:
![](asset-57.png)
82
ANoceinformingtheopeningofStrongRoomhavingVVPATsshall
be given to the representaves of all polical pares in wring at
least48hoursinadvance,requesngthemtoremainpresentatthe
meofopeningofstrongroom.
The strong room shall be opened in the presence of the District
EleconOcerandrepresentavesofPolicalPares.
RemovethePowerPacksofControlUnitsandPowerPacksandPaper
RollsofVVPATs.
TheVVPATpaperslipsshallbetakenoutfromtheDropBoxofVVPAT
andkeptinapaperenvelopemadeofthickblackpaper,sealedusing
redwaxunderthesealofDEO.Nameofelecon,numberandname
ofassemblyconstuency,parcularsofpollingstaon,uniqueserial
numberoftheVVPATunit,dateofpollanddateofcounngshallbe
menonedontheenvelopecontainingprintedpaperslips.
The envelopes containing VVPAT paper slips shall be kept with all
otherstatutorydocumentsrelangtothateleconllthestatutory
melimit.
Thorough checking of ocials deputed for the removal of VVPAT
paper slips and their sealing must be ensured. All pockets need to
be emped before entering the Sealing Room/Strong Room and
thorough checking of ocials leaving the sealing room should be
doneinaddiontoDFMD/MetalDetectorChecking.
OncetheVVPATpaperslipshavebeentakenout,theVVPATsmustbe
kept in their separatedesignatedwarehouse.VVPAT should not be
keptinthesamewarehousewhereEVMsarestored.
To ensure there is no deliberate aempt to remove any paper-
slips from sealing room/strong room, the enre process should be
conductedunderhighqualityCCTVrecording/videography.
Incaseofanyelecon,the
followingaconshallbetaken:-
If the EVMs or Counng of Votes are the subject of the elecon
peon, the EVMs and VVPATs used at all Polling Staons in the
constuencyconcernedshallconnuetobekeptinthesafecustody
oftheDistrictEleconOcer,llsuchmetheEleconPeonis
nallydisposedofbytheCourts.
![](asset-58.png)
83
IftheEVMsorcounngofvotesarenotthesubjectoftheelecon
peon, an applicaon may be moved to the concerned Court for
allowingtheEVMs&VVPATsconcernedtobetakenoutofthestrong
roomforanyfutureelecon oranyother purpose likemovement,
physicalvericaonetc.
IncaseVVPATsnotinvolvedinanyEleconPeon/CourtCaseare
storedwiththeVVPATsinvolvedinEleconPeon/CourtCase,the
followingprocedureshallbefollowedforsegregangtheVVPATsnot
involvedinanyeleconpeon/courtcasefromtheVVPATsinvolved
inEP/Courtcase:-
A Noce informing the opening of Strong Room having VVPATs
involvedin EP/CourtCase as well as non-EPVVPATs, shall begiven
to the peoners/respondents of the EP/Court Case and the
representavesofallpolicalparesinwringatleast72hoursin
advance,requesngthemtoremainpresentatthemeofopening
ofstrongroom.
The strong room shall be opened in the presence of the District
Elecon Ocer, Peoners/respondents of the EP/Court case and
representavesofPolicalPares.
The VVPATs not involved in any EP/Court Case shall be segregated
fromtheVVPATsinvolvedinEP/CourtCasefortakingoutofthestrong
room.AlistofVVPATsbeingsotakenoutfromthestrongroomshall
beprepared.
TheVVPATs,whicharenotinvolvedinanyEP/CourtCase,shouldonly
betakenoutoftheStrongroom.
The procedure menoned above shall be followed for taking-out
power packs, paper rolls and the printed paper slips from all such
VVPATs,followingwhichtheVVPATsareavailableforanysubsequent
deployment/use.
Theenreprocessshallbevideographedandvideographymustbe
preservedforrecord.
*******
![](asset-59.png)
84
1. In2007,themanufacturersofEVMsopinedthatthelifeofEVMsisabout
15yearsandthatitisriskytousemachinesolderthan15yearsinfuture
elecons.Thusthemanufacturershaverecommendeddisposaloftheenre
1989-90batchofEVMs.
2. TheCommissionconstutedaTechnicalExpertCommieecomprisingProf.
P.V.Indiresan,Prof.D.T.Shahani&Prof.AKAgarwalatogiveitsopinion on
whetherEVMsof1989-90batchhavebecomeunusable.
3. Technical Expert Commiee recommended the methodology for weeding
out1989-90EVMsfordisposal.
4. ApprovalofGovernmentofIndiaisrequiredfordestruconofEVMs.
5. FollowingguidelinesfordestruconofEVMsshallbefollowed:
a) PCBsshallbeseparatedfromPlascHousings;
b) AllcomponentsmountedonPCBsofCU,BU&Displayshallberemoved/
choppedoandcrushed;
c) ThebarePCBsshallbecutintominimum4piecesandcrushed;
d) Theremainingplascassemblies/housingshallalsobecutinto4to6pieces
andcrushed;
e) Plascwasteshallberecycledtoensurethatenvironmentisprotected;
f) Enreprocessofthedisposal/destruconofEVMsshouldbevideographed;
g) Acopyofthevideoofdisposal/destruconofEVMsshouldbesenttothe
CEOconcernedandECI;
h) Thevideoofdisposal/destruconprocessshallbeviewedatCEOconcerned/
ECItocerfythatnothingadversewasnoced;
i) Theguidelines/safeguardsfordestruconofelectronicitems,issuedbythe
Polluon Control Board/Ministry of Environment and Forests etc. or any
otherlawforthemebeinginforce,shallbefollowed;
j) Itshallbeensuredthate-wastesarechannelizedtoregistereddismantleror
recycler;
![](asset-5a.png)
85
k) A proper record of each BU and CU destroyed/destructed should be
maintainedinaregister–
i) Serial number/ID of each BU and CU destroyed, date-wise, shall
be entered in a register (separate registers for BU & CU should be
maintained);
ii) On the close of the day a cercate should be recorded aer the
lastentrytotheeectthat“todayon…………(date)…numberofBU/
CU(asthecasemaybe)hasbeendestructedinmypresence”and
shallbesignedbytheocerofthemanufacturernominatedforthe
purposeandsignaturesoftherepresentaveoftheCEOconcerned
ande-wasteagencyshallalsobeobtained.
********
![](asset-5b.png)
86
CentralGovernmentappointedtheElectoralReformsCommieein
January,1990(GoswamiCommiee)consisngofrepresentaveof
severalrecognizedNaonalandStatePares.
TheElectoralReforms Commieefeltthatthemachinesshouldbe
testedby technicalexpertswitha viewtoremovinganydoubts or
misapprehensionsinthemindsofthepublicwithregardtocredibility
of the working of the machines and desired that a clearance from
thetechnicalexpertstotheeectthatdoubtsandmisapprehension
entertained about the credibility of the machines were not well
foundedshouldbeobtained.
An Expert Commiee for the evaluaon of the electronic vong
machines was constuted under the chairmanship of Professor S.
Sampath,ChairmanTechnicalAdvisoryCommiee,DefenceResearch
& Development Organizaon, Ministry of Defence, Professor PV
Indiresan of the IIT Delhi and Dr. Rao C. Kasarabada, Director,
ElectronicResearch&DevelopmentCentre,Trivandrum.
TheCommiee,aerareviewofthematerialpresentedtoit,technical
presentaonbythemanufacturers,meengeleconadministrators
andtechnicalexpertsandalsodetailedlaboratorytests,cametothe
conclusionthattheelectronicvongmachineisasecuresystem.The
expert commiee, therefore, unanimously recommended, in April,
1990,theuseoftheelectronicvongmachineswithoutfurtherloss
ofme.
TheCommissionconstutedtheSecondTechnicalExpertCommiee
inDecember,2005comprisingProf.P.V.Indiresan,Prof.D.T.Shahani
ofIITDelhiandProf.A.K.AgarwalaofIITDelhitogettheupgraded
EVMs (Post 2006 EVMs) evaluated before nally accepng these
machinesforactualuseinelecons.
Subsequently, the Commission has been consulng the group of
![](asset-5c.png)
87
technical experts comprising Prof. (Late) P.V. Indiresan (member of
theearliercommiee),Prof.D.T.ShahaniandProf.A.K.Agarwalaof
IITDelhi,onallEVMrelatedtechnicalissues.
In November, 2010, the Commission expanded its Technical Expert
Commieebyincludingtwomoreexperts,namely,ProfD.K.Sharma
fromDepartmentofElectricalEngineering,IITofMumbaiandProf.
RajatMoonafromDepartmentofComputerScienceandEngineering,
IITofKanpur(nowDirectorIIT,Bhilai).
i) The Technical Expert Commiee on EVMs/VVPATs provides the
followingassistancetotheCommission:-
ii) OpinionontechnicalissuesofEVMs&VVPATs;
iii) DevelopmentanddesigningofEVMs&VVPATs;
iv) EvaluaonofEVMs&VVPATs.
********
![](asset-5d.png)
88
EVMTrackingentryapplicaonisdevelopedforcreangacentralizeddatabaseof
all36StatesandUTsofIndia.ItallowsTrackingofControlUnits,BallongUnits
andVVPATswiththeirlocaons.Thisapplicaonhasthefacilitytocreateandenter
thewarehousedetailsinwhichthestockentryofCUs,BUsandVVPATscouldbe
donebyWarehouseIn-charge.TransferofCUs,BUsandVVPATsonceenteredwill
notrequirere-entryofdata.ItalsokeepsthecheckofduplicateentryofCUs,BUs
andVVPATsinallthewarehousesacrossthecountry.
This Applicaon has to be used at CEO/DEO/Warehouse In-charge / ECI Admin
levels.
DataEntryofCU/BU/VVPATistobemadeinspecicwarehouses.TheWarehouse
iscreatedbytheDEOprovidingall therelevantdetails.OncetheWarehouseis
created,theDEOcreatestheloginidofthewarehousein-charge.DataEntryof
CU/BU/VVPATisdoneintheMasterStockRegisterwhichisaccessibletoboththe
DEOandthewarehousein-charge.ThedataentryofCU/BU/VVPATcanbedone
onlyattheWarehouseIn-chargelevel.
DetailsofallEVMsinthedistrictmustbeenteredinMasterStockRegister(MSR).
MSRmustbemaintainedwarehouse-wiseforeverydistrictintheformatprovided
in the MSR Screen. Every CU, BU and VVPAT in the district whether in working
condionornotmustbeenteredintheMSR.
TransferofCU,BUandVVPATattheStatelevel,Districtlevelandthewarehouse
levelcanbeiniatedbythe authorizedpersonnel.Supply ordersaregenerated
for each transfer; the source and desnaon enes can access the order and
proceedwiththeoperaon.Alltheocialsassisnginthispurposemustadhere
totheprocesstoaccomplishsuccessfultransferofbothCU,BUandVVPAT.
Forthepurposeofelecons,theCU,BUandVVPATsenttothepollingstaonsare
randomizedattwo dierentlevels–DEOlevelSTRONGROOMandWarehouse
In-charge(STRONGROOMAC)level.TheCUs/Bus/VVPATswhichareworkingand
successfullypassboththerstlevelandsecondlevelrandomizaonwillbesent
tothepollingstaons.
ForphysicalvericaonofCU/BU/VVPATunitinwarehousewiththedigitaldata
entryinstockofwarehouseinETS,theCommissiongeneratesphysicalvericaon
![](asset-5e.png)
89
cycle in ETS from me to me. Warehousestocks are updated accordingly by
warehousein-charge.
VariousMIS(ManagementInformaonService)reportsaremadeavailableinthe
ETSforitsusersatthelevelofECIAdmin/CEO/DEO/WI/Manufacturertocheckthe
statusofworkallocatedandtoidenfypendingissues.
FordetailedapplicaonkindlyseeUserManualforETSavailableatETSloginpage
AndroidbasedMobileApplicaonsinterfacedwiththeETS,developedforStock-
Taking, FLC-Shiing-Randomizaon and Physical Vericaon. These Mobile
ApplicaonscanworkinoinemodealsoforcapturingthedataofEVMs&VVPAT
foruploadingthesameintotheEVMTrackingSoware.However,theyneednet-
connecvity(Wi-Fiordataconnecon)tologinandtouploadthecaptureddata.
UserscandownloadandinstallthemobileappavailableonDownloadManager
pageoftheEleconCommissionofIndia’sweb-site(URL:hp://eciocers.nic.in/
Login/Default.aspx).TheseappsuseGoogleservices,therefore,usersarerequired
toupdategoogleservices,ifnotalreadyupdated,inthemobilephonetobeused.
![](asset-5f.png)
90
CommonAddressTagforBU/CU/VVPAT
![](asset-60.png)
91
SealingofplasccabinetofControlUnitofEVMswithpinkpaperseal:
AerFirstLevelCheckingoftheEVMs,theControlUnitissealedwiththe‘PinkPaper
Seal’suppliedbytheNasikSecurityPressinthepresenceoftherepresentaves
ofthePolicalParespresentatthemeofFLC.ThePinkPaperSealisaxed
ontheporonbetweentheCandidateSetSeconandtheResultSeconofthe
ControlUnit.
a) SealingofballotpaperscreenofBUwiththreadandaddresstag
Aertheballotpaperisrmlyxedandtheballotpaperscreenispressedton
theuppersideofthetopcover.Thescreenistobesealedontheinnersideofthe
topcover.Thisisdonebypassingthethreadthroughthetwoholesonthescreen
speciallyprovidedforthepurposeusingaddresstagshowingtheparcularsofthe
eleconwiththesealoftheReturningOcer.
![](asset-61.png)
92
b) SealingofplasccabinetofBUwiththreadandaddresstag
Aerunmaskingrequirednumberofcandidatebuons,theuppercoveroftheBU
issealedbypassingathreadthroughtheholesprovidedonthetopandboom
endatrightsideusingaddresstagsshowingtheparcularsoftheeleconwiththe
sealoftheReturningOcer.
c) SealingofplasccabinetofBUwithpinkpaperseal:
In addion, the BU is sealed with a special “pink paper seal” supplied by India
SecurityPress,Nasik,inthepresenceofcandidatesortheirrepresentavesatthe
meofpreparaonofEVMs.Pinkpapersealisxedatthelowermostporonof
theBUinsuchamannerthatnocandidate’sbuonorcandidate’snameorsymbol
ishiddenbytheseal.
d) SealingofCandidateSetSeconofCUwiththread&addresstag
SealingofinnercoverofCandidateSetSecon
![](asset-62.png)
93
SealingofoutercoverofCandidateSetSecon
AerCandidateset,innerandoutercoversoftheCandidateSetSeconofCUare
sealedbypassingathreadthroughholeprovidedonthelesideusingaddress
tagsshowingtheparcularsoftheeleconwiththesealoftheReturningOcer.
Aermockpollandclearingmockpolldata,switchothepowerswitchofControl
UnitforsealingResultSeconoftheCU.
(a) FixingofGreenPaperSealandclosingofinnercompartment
Greenpapersealhastobepassedthroughtheframeprovidedforthepurposeon
theinnersideofthedooroftheinnercompartmentoftheResultSecon.Aer
xingtheseal,thedooroftheinnercompartmentistobeclosedinsuchamanner
thatthetwoendsofthepapersealprojectoutwardsfromthesidesoftheinner
compartment.
![](asset-63.png)
94
(b) Sealingofinnerdoorcompartment(innerResultSecon)withSpecialTag
InnerdooroftheResultSeconissealedbypassingathreadthroughholeprovided
onthelesideusingSpecialTagshowingtheparcularsoftheeleconwiththe
sealofthePresidingOcer.
(c) SealingofouterdoorResultSeconofCUwiththreadsealusingAddressTag
andOuterPaperStripSeal
TheoutercoveroftheResultSeconoftheCUhastobepressedforclosingthis
secon.TheoutercoveroftheResultseconissealedbypassingathreadthrough
hole provided on the le side using Address Tag showing the parculars of the
eleconwiththesealofthePresidingOcer.
Thereaer,OuterPaperStripSeal(ABCDseal)isusedtogetgluedtotheGreen
paperseal.
![](asset-64.png)
95
(d) SealingofcarryingcaseofEVM
Aercompleonofpoll,BUandCUarekeptintherespecvecarryingcase.The
carryingcasesaresealedbypassingathreadthroughholesprovidedusingAddress
TagsshowingtheparcularsoftheeleconwiththesealofthePresidingOcer.
Aercompleonofcounng,allControlUnits,whetherresultwasretrievedfrom
itornot,iskeptbackinsideitscarryingcase.Thecarryingcasesarethensealed
onceagainbypassingathreadthroughholeprovidedonthecarryingcasesusing
AddressTagshowingtheparcularsoftheeleconwiththesealoftheReturning
Ocer.
PREPARATION
OF VVPAT
![](asset-65.png)
96
AerinstallaonofpaperrollinthepaperrollcompartmentofVVPAT,thelatches
ofPaperRollCompartmentisbypassingathreadthroughholesprovidedonthe
latchesusingAddressTagshowingtheparcularsoftheeleconwiththesealof
theReturningOcer.
(SwitchingOFFofControlUnitbeforesealingofpaperrollcompartmentshould
beensured)
Aerthemockpoll,PresidingOcerremovesalltheprintedpaper(ballot)slips
fromthe dropboxin theVVPATunit. The printedpaper slips of themockpoll,
shouldbestampedontheirbacksidewithrubberstamphavinginscripon“MOCK
POLLSLIP’beforekeepingandsealingtheseprintedpaperslipsinthethickblack
envelopesuppliedforthe purpose. The envelopeis sealedwiththesealof the
presidingocer.
Theenvelopeshallthenbekeptinthespecialplascboxprovidedforthepurpose.
TheplascboxissealedwithaPinkPaperSealplacedallaroundinsuchamanner
thatopeningoftheboxshallnotbepossiblewithoutbreakingtheseal.
![](asset-66.png)
97
Thereaer,thelowerpartoftheVVPATunit,i.e.dropbox,issealedwiththethread
andAddressTagbeforeactualpollstarts.
Aercompleonofpoll,VVPAT&VSDUarekeptinthecarryingcase.Thecarrying
case is sealed by using thread and Address Tag showing the parculars of the
eleconwiththesealofthePresidingOcer.
![](asset-67.png)
98
CHAPTER
ThedefecveEVMsaresenttothefactoryoftheconcernedmanufacturers
of the EVMs, namely, BEL & ECIL or collected at a centralized locaon in
theStateHQsconcernedfornecessaryrepairs.Followingprotocolistobe
strictlyfollowedfordefecveEVMs:-
21.1.1. DuringFirstLevelChecking ofEVMs/VVPATs, no electronicrepair
istobecarriedout.However,mechanicalrepairsi.e.replacement
of broken/damaged switches, buons, latches, hood, cable, RTC
cell,spindle etc.forwhichnosolderingis requiredshallbedone
duringFLC.Forthispurpose,engineersdeputedforFLCshallhave
adequate number of spares with them for mechanical repairs of
EVMs/VVPATs. Further the engineers deputed for FLC of EVMs/
VVPATsshallalsomaintainlistofthedefecveunits(containingUnit
IDofBU/CU/VVPATwithdefectobserved).Repairingofdefecve
EVMs shall only be done aer counng is over, at a centralized
locaonintheState.
21.1.2. EVMs/VVPATs found defecve during FLC shall be sent to the
manufacturersforrepairwithinofcompleonofFLCinthat
district.TheCEOshallcoordinateandclubdefecveEVMs/VVPATs
ofmulpledistrictsfordespatchingtothefactory.
21.1.3. No EVMs/VVPATs, whether defecve or defect-free, shall be
transportedduringtheperiodfromcommencementofCandidate
SengtotheCounngdayexcepttheEVMs/VVPATsrequiredtobe
transportedforuseinpollsinsubsequentphases.Insuchcase,the
policalpares/candidatesshallbeinformedinwringconveying
thepurposeofshiingofsuchEVMs/VVPATs.
21.1.4. AllDefecveEVMs/VVPATsnotusedinthepollshallbestoredin
a separate room/warehouses, preferably in a separate campus,
if possible, and shall never be stored along with /
VVPATs.
21.1.5. For EVMs found defecve during Preparaon, mock poll, poll,
counngofvotes,thefollowingprocedureshallbefollowed:-
![](asset-68.png)
99
a) EVMs/VVPATs found defecve during candidate seng or mock-
pollonpolldayshallbestoredinaseparatewarehouse,however,
EVMs/VVPATs found defecve aer mock-poll (i.e. during actual
poll)onpoll-dayshallbestoredalongwithpolledEVMs/VVPATs.
b) Immediatelyaercompleonofmandatoryperiodof45daysfrom
the date of declaraon of the result for ling Elecon Peons,
the details of the Elecon Peon/Court Cases pertaining to the
eleconshallbeobtainedfromtheconcernedHighCourt/Court.
c) AerascertainingtheposionofEP/courtcasesfromtheconcerned
court,within10daysallthedefecveEVMs/VVPAT(alongwithlist
containinguniqueIDofBU/CU/VVPAT),whicharenotinvolvedin
anyEP/courtcases,shallimmediatelybegotrepaired.
d) Strong Room shall not be opened in which the defecve EVMs/
VVPATpertainingtoanyEP/courtcasearekept.Aernaldisposal
oftheEP/Courtcase.ThedefecveEVMsshallbesentforrepairs
totherespecvefactorieswithinonemonth.
21.1.6. Aerrepairsarecarriedout, the tesngprotocolforall repaired
machinesshallbeexactlythesameasfornewEVMs/VVPATs.
21.1.7. Themanufacturersshallnot returntherepairedEVMs/VVPATsto
therespecveState/UT.TheserepairedEVMs/VVPATsshallbekept
inthefactory.CEOs/DEOsarenotrequiredtotakebacktheEVMs/
VVPATssenttothefactoryforrepairs.
.
21.1.8. ThemanufacturerswillfurnishareportoftherepairedEVM/VVPAT
totheCommission.
21.1.9. AstheEVMs/VVPATs,repairedatfactory,willnotbereturnedtothe
senderState/UT,therefore,shiingofthesedefecveEVMs/VVPATs
tothemanufacturersisexplicitlyrequiredtobedonethroughETS
bytheconcernedChiefElectoralOceroftheconcernedState/UT,
toensurethatEVM/VVPATs,thatarenotavailableintheWarehouse
oftheState/UT,donotreectintheirWarehouseandalsotoavoid
formaonofconictintheETS.
![](asset-69.png)
100
NoelectronicrepairtobedoneduringFLC.
OnlymechanicalrepairscanbedoneduringFLC.
ShiingofdefecveEVMs/VVPATstothemanufacturersisexplicitlytobedone
throughETSbytheState/UT,toensurethatEVM/VVPATs,thatarenotavailable
intheWarehouseoftheState/UT,donotreectintheirWarehouseandalsoto
avoidformaonofconictintheETS.
21.2 POST ELECTION REPAIRS: Aer elecon all the defecve EVMs & VVPATs
shallbesenttotherespecvefactoryforrepairs.
![](asset-6a.png)
101
ShriACJoseledaneleconpeonbeforetheKeralaHighCourt.Themain
pleaofthepeonerwasthattheElectronicVongMachineshadbeenused
inParurAssemblyConstuencyinKeralainMay1982withouttheauthority
oflawinthe1951Actandtherulesmadethereunder.
The Kerala High Court dismissed the elecon peon on 12.10.1982,
upholdingtheuseofthemachinesbytheEleconCommissioninexerciseof
itsinherentpowersunderArcle324.
ShriACJoseledanappealbeforetheHon’bleSupremeCourt(AC Jose
VsSivanPillaiandOrsAIR1984SC921).TheSupremeCourtstruckdown
the use of these machines in Parur Assembly Constuency in Kerala on
5th March, 1984. The Supreme Court held that the law provided for the
conductofeleconbyusingBallotpapersandBallotboxesandtheElecon
Commission could not use vong machines in the absence of statutory
provisionsprovidingfortheiruse.
TheissuesofunconstuonaluseofEVMsandpossibletamperingofEVM
have been raised before the Madras High Court. The Madras High Court
didnotacceptthoseallegaonsandcontenonsanddismissedallthewrit
peonson10.04.2001.
TheHon’bleMadrasHighCourtalsocategoricallyruledoutanyquesonof
tamperingoftheEVMsandalsomadethefollowingobservaons:
“ Thereisalsonoquesonofintroducinganyvirusorbugsforthereasonthat
theEVMs cannotbecomparedtopersonal computers.Theprogramming
incomputers,assuggested,hasnobearingwiththeEVMs.Thecomputer
would have inherent limitaons having connecons through Internet and
bytheirverydesign,theymayallowthealteraonoftheprogrammebut
the EVMs are independent units and the programme in EVM is enrely a
dierentsystem.”
![](asset-6b.png)
102
ThepeonerstookthemaertotheHon’bleSupremeCourt(AllIndiaAnna
DravidaMunnetraKazhagam,etc.VsChiefEleconCommissionerofIndia
andOrs2002UJ(1)387,202(TL/S)36062).TheSupremeCourtdismissed
thespecialleavepeonon23.04.2001,agreeingwiththedecisionofthe
highcourtthattheimpugnedSecon61Awasvalid.
In these cases, it was contended that the Elecon Commission could use
electronicvongmachinesunderSecon61Aonlyinselectedconstuencies
havingregardtothecircumstancesofeachcase,andnotrounelyinallthe
assemblyconstuenciesinastate.Theabovepeonsweredismissedby
theDelhiHighCourton23.5.2005.
TheissueofpossibletamperingofEVMhasbeenraisedbeforetheKarnataka
High Court. Aer going into all aspects of the technological soundness
andtheadministravemeasuresinvolvedintheuseofEVMsatelecons
inIndia,haveheldthattheEVMsinIndiaarecredible,reliableandtotally
tamperproof.TheHon’bleKarnatakaHighCourtheldthat‘Thisinvenonis
undoubtedlyagreatachievementintheelectronicandcomputertechnology
andanaonalpride’.
BombayHighCourt(NagpurBench)(BanwarilalPurohitVsVilasMuemwar
andOrsEleconPeonNo.1of2004)
The issue of possible tampering of EVM has also been raised before the
BombayHighCourt(NagpurBench).TheHon’bleBombayHighCourt(Nagpur
Bench),examinedtheexpertsproducedbythepeoneraswitnessbefore
theHighCourt.TheorderoftheHon’bleHighCourtrecordsthatthetwo
experts produced as witnesses admied that the hardware and soware
usedintheEVMsaremaersnotknowntopublicatlarge,orevenexperts
includingthewitnesses,andtheyadmiedthattheinformaonordatain
theEVMsisnotmadeopenunauthorisedly.
KeralaHighCourt(TAAhammedKabeerVsAAAzeezandOrsEleconPeon
No.4of2001)
InoneofthecasesasdirectedbytheHon’bleHighCourtofKeralainElecon
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103
Peon No.4/2001, the process of detecng votes cast by impersonators
wascarriedoutbeforetheHon’bleCourtinthecaseofGeneralEleconfrom
125-EvavipuramAssemblyConstuencyinKeralain2001.TheHighCourtin
itsorderdated6.2.2002hadrecordeditsappreciaonontheeciencyof
themechanism.ThejudgmentoftheKeralaHighCourtinthesaidElecon
PeonwasupheldbytheHon’bleSupremeCourtinCivilAppeal(AIR2003
SC2271).
“Primafacie,itisevidentfromacombinedreadingoftheenrepressrelease
of ECI that this system is seal proof. The EVMs are not hackable. There
cannotbeanymanipulaonatmanufacturingstage.Theresultscannotbe
alteredbyacvangaTrojanHorsethroughasequenceofkeypresses.The
ECI-EVMscannotbephysicallytamperedwith.TheEVMsusesomeofthe
microcontrollers,dynamiccodingofkeycodes,dateandmestampingof
eachandeverykeypressetc.TheseEVMsalsocannotbetamperedwith
duringthe courseof transportaonor atthe placeof storage. Thereare
checksandbalancestoensuretamper-proongofEVMs”.
8. whiledecidingthe
bunchofPeonson100%useofVVPAT,observedthat
“theabovestatementoftheEleconCommissionofIndiacontainedinthe
counteradavitacknowledges,thatallprayersmadeinthegroupofpeons,
standfullledandsased.Itisalsoapparent,thattheGovernmentofIndia
hassanconedfundsforthepurchaseoftheVVPATunits,neededduringthe
courseoftheelecons,whicharetotakeplaceintheimmediatefuture.The
posionexpressedleavesnoroomforanydoubt,thatallfutureelecons
willbeheldbyusingVVPAT.Theabovestanceisreiteratedduringthecourse
ofhearingbythelearnedcounselrepresenngtheEleconCommissionof
India.
Inviewoftheabove,weareoftheconsideredviewthatthepresentbunch
ofmaersdoesnotrequireanyfurtheradjudicaonatourhands.Allthe
casesclubbedtogether,areaccordinglydisposedofintermsofthecounter
adavit led by the Elecon Commission of India, duly supported by the
GovernmentofIndia”.
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&+$37(5
3UHVHQWDWLRQRQ&UHGLELOLW\RI(90V993$7V
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e Keys shall be in custody of DEO & Dy. DEO, each
having one key.
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own seals on locks
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ss
Ensure paper rollknob is locked
(horizontal posion) before
transportaon.
InPollingStaon,unlockthepaperroll
knob(vercalposion).
Don’t switch ON CU before VVPAT
paperrollknobisinunlockedcondion
(vercalposion).
Posion BU and VVPAT in Vong
Compartment. Posion CU and VSDU
onPO’sTable
Establishrightconneconbyfollowing
thecolorscheme.
Don’t allow direct light or high power
illuminaonoverVVPAT.
Ensure the connectors are inserted
properly.
Don’t insert/remove cables without
pressingtheclipsontheconnectors.
Switch ‘ON’ CU, the Power-On Green
LED on VVPAT glows and VVPAT prints
all7slips.
Don’t switch OFF CU unless all 7 slips
areprintedandcut.
Check for any “PRINTER ERROR”
message on VSDU. Inform Sectoral
Ocer(SO)insuchcase.
Don’tstartpollingincaseof“PRINTER
ERROR”messageonVSDU.
Always switch OFF CU before making
any connecon or disconnecon
includingchangeofbaery.
Don’t operate the paper roll knob ll
theendofthepoll.
NOTE:InM3VVPATthereisnoVSDU.VVPATrelatedmessagesaredisplayedon
theCU’sDisplay.
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Non-UpdaonofFLC-OKorFLC-RejectstatusinETSthroughMobile-
Appondaytodaybasis.
FLCofVVPATswithoutusingDummyBallotPaperonBU.
Non-Uploadingof16candidates(includingNOTA)DummySymbolsin
the1%VVPATsusedfortesngwith4-BUshaving64dummysymbols
(includingNOTA)
IrregularityonuseofDummySymbols
Non-checking of candidate symbols uploaded in VVPAT during
commissioning.
IncaseofM3EVMs,M3VVPATsshouldbeconnectedatthemeof
commissioningoftheEVMsotherwiseEVMwillnotacceptaVVPAT
atalaterstage.
Lock paper roll when transporng the VVPAT from one place to
another
4. Dispersal
DonotswitchontheVVPATinbroaddaylightatthemeofdispersal
astheVVPATmaygointoerrormode.
NotpressingtheCLOSEbuonofCUaermock-poll.
Notmatchingthemock-pollresultoftheCUwiththeVVPATPaper
Slips.
Notremovingthemock-pollpaperslipsfromVVPAT
Non-deleonofmock-polldatafromtheControlUnit.
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When seng up the EVMs and VVPATs in the polling staon, the
VVPATshouldbeposionedsoastoavoiddirectlightfromfallingon
it.
DonotposiontheVVPATnearanopenwindowordirectlyundera
bulborhalogenlamp.
Conducngmockpoll,incaseofreplacementofVVPATonly.Mockpoll
isnotrequiredtobeconductedincaseofonlyVVPATreplacement.
Incaseofnon-funconingofCU orBUreplacingonlyCUorBU.In
suchcasebothBUandCUalongwithVVPATshallbereplaced.
Non-pressingofCLOSEBuonaercompleonofPoll.
DamaginganysealofBU/CU/VVPAT.
DonotrepeatedlyswitchONandOFFtheVVPATasitwilldepletethe
baeryaswellaspaperroll.
Switch OFF the CU when connecng or disconnecng the EVMs/
VVPATsanddonotpullthecablefordisconnecng.
In case of M3 VVPAT, there is no VSDU and VVPAT status will be
displayedontheCUDisplayPenal.
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Annexure-1
NameofState/UnionTerritory:
Address of Warehouse:
CU ID No.
Manufacturer
Manufacture
Date of Receipt
Receipt Challan
No.
Date on receipt
challan
receiver
receiver
24 5 6 8
BU ID No
Date of Receipt
Receipt Challan No.
Date on receipt challan
of receiver
24568
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Annexure-2
NameofState/UnionTerritory:
No. of Control Units in
No. of Control Units
No. of Control Units not in
BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL
Note-ReasonsforEVMnotavailableinwarehouseshallbeclearlymenonedin
thereport.
(SignatureofDistrictEleconOcer)
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134
Annexure-3
NameofState/UnionTerritory:
No. of Control Units in
No. of Control Units
FLC done
No. of Control Units
FLC
FLC done
FLC
BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL BEL ECIL
Note-ReasonsforEVMnotavailableinwarehouseshallbeclearlymenonedin
thereport.
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135
Annexure-4
(AendanceRegisterforPolicalPares-FLCHall)
Address of FLC hall:
Date:……………………….
date
Note:Iftherepresentaveofapartyisabsenttheproofofdueserviceofnoceto
thepartyshouldbepastedintheregister.
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Annexure-5
(CercaonofEVMsbyBEL/ECIL)
Address of hall:
Date:
ItisceredthattestsprescribedbyBEL/ECILtoascertainthatallcomponents
areoriginalwerecarriedoutontheEVMslistedbelowon……………...(date).Onthe
basisofthesetestsitisceredthatallcomponentsoftheEVMslistedbeloware
original.
. No.
(Name&signatureofBEL/ECILengineerswithIDNo.)
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Annexure-6
OFM-2EVMs&VVPATs
a) DecoderPrinterwithaccessories;
b) ScrewDrivers,forceps,nosepliers;
c) Mul-meter;
d) VVPATAC-DCadapter;
e) SymbolloadingjigwithAccessories(Powercable,9pinsymbolloading
cableand 9 pin PC interfacecable);orPC/Laptopwith preloaded
symbolloadingapplicaon;and
f) RTCJigforclockseng;
a) Flaps;
b) CloseCaps;
c) Latches;
d) Cables(BU,VVPAT&VSDU);
e) Buons(Ballot,Total,Close,Result,Clear&Candidate);
f) [sparepartsmenonedabove(a)to(e)shouldbe20%ofthenumber
ofEVMs/VVPATstobetested]
g) HighResoluonPhotographsofcomponentsideofCU-PCBandBU-
PCB;
h) FLCSckers{FLC-OK(Green),FLC-Failed(Red)};
i) Temperseals;
j) VVPAT Sckers (Transportaon, Working and Unlock before Switch
ON);
k) CoinCells(RTCBaery);and
l) BallotPaperofDummysymbols;
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138
:Removalofaddresstags,BallotPapers,cleaning
ofsuperscriponsonCU&BU,clearingofearlierpolldata,dusngofCU&
BUetc.underclosesupervisionofFLCin-chargeandEngineersdeputedby
manufacturers.
a) Open Carrying cases of Control Unit (CU) and Ballot Unit (BU) and
takeouttheunits.Removealltags,pinkpaperseal,FLCsckers,wax
sealsandBallotpapers.
b) Physically check all buons, toggle switch, connectors, and doors,
sealing provisions, display and plasc body of CU for damage /
breakage. Replace the broken items with good items wherever
possibleanddiscardothers.
c) Similarly,checkconnecngcable,connector, latches,and apsand
slideSwitchandplascbodyofBUfordamage/breakage.Replace
the broken items with good items wherever possible and discard
others.
d) Open cabinet of CU and carryout visual inspecon of PCB. Hidden
componentsorunauthorizedrework,ifany,CUshouldbediscarded
andkeptaside.
e) Similarly,opencabinetofBUandcarryoutvisualinspeconofplasc
partsandotherandPCBforanydamage,reworketc.andreplacethe
damagedoneiffeasible.Ifanyrework,BUshouldbediscardedand
keptaside.
f) CheckthenumberplateandnumbersckerpastedonthebackofCU
andBUforanymismatch.
g) Recordtheserialnumbersanddefectsofrejectedunits.
a) InstallaonofPowerPack
i) OpenBaerycompartmentofCU
ii) InsertpowerpackofEVM
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139
iii) AlignpowerpackconnectorwithpluginCU,Presspowerpack
aerinseron
iv) CloseBaerycompartment
b) CableConnecons
i) OpenconnectorcompartmentofCU
ii) ConnectBUcabletoBUinterfaceconnectorofControlUnit
iii SetslideswitchposionofBUto1.Unmaskall16buonsin
BU.
c) PowerONDisplaySequence
i) SwitchONEVM.
ii) ObservePowerONLEDglowinggreeninCU.
iii) ObservethefollowingseriesofdisplaymessagesonCUduring
PowerON
EVMISON
DATEandTIME
SLNOoftheControlUnit
NOOFCANDIDATES
BATTERYSTATUS
that CU.
a) Ifoneormoresegmentsaremissingorextrasegmentisdisplayed.
b) CheckBeepaerSwitchON.Incaseofnobeeporconnuousbeep.
c) IfGreenLEDisnotglowingduringPowerON.
d) ChecktheserialnumberdisplayedinCU.Ifitisnotmatchingwiththe
numbergivenonthenumberplateandNumbersckerpastedonthe
backofCU.
e) ChecktheDateandTimeonCUdisplay.IncaseofwrongDateand
Time,setDateandTimewiththehelpofmesetjigasdetailedin
para-17.
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140
a) OpentheouterdoorofResultcompartmentandthenopentheinnerdoor.
PressCLEARbuontodeleteanyvotesstoredinCU.
b) IfCUdisplaysINVALID,pressRESULTbuon.IfitslldisplaysINVALID,
pressCLOSEbuon.
c) Once CLOSE display sequence is completed, press RESULT buon
and wait ll CU displays “End”. Press CLEAR buon. During Clear
operaon,observeCUdisplays“0”votesforallcandidates.
a) Press CANDIDATE SET buon for seng candidates. Observe “SET
CANDIDATE–“displayinCU.Press16thbuoninBUtosetthenumber
ofCandidatesto16.
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141
BALLOT OPERATION
a) PressBALLOTbuoninCU.BUSYLEDinCUshallglowREDandREADY
LEDinBUshallglowGREEN.
b) Press rst candidate buon in BU. Observe LED by the side of the
buonglowRED.
c) Beepshallbeheard.ObserveBusyLEDinCUandREADYLEDinBU
goesOFF.
d) Followtheinstrucons“a”to“c”bycasngvotesforall16candidates
inBU.
e) PressTOTAL.Checknumberofcandidates16andtotalvotes16inCU
display.
PressCLOSEbuon.ObserveCUdisplays“POLLCLOSED”.
PressRESULTbuonandobservethevotescastagainsteachcandidate.
PressCLEARbuonandwaitllCUdisplays“0”votesforallthecandidates.
PressTOTALtoconrmTotalVotes0.
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142
Rejecttheunitsfounddefecveduringthefunconalitycheck.
Idenfythedefectsandisolatethem.
Recordtheserialnumbersanddefectsofrejectedunits.
MOCKPOLLONEVMsRANDOMLYSELECTEDBYPOLITICALPARTIES
1200votesin1%EVMs,
1000votesin2%EVMs;and
500votesin2%EVMs
shallbedoneandaprintoutoftheresults,aswellassequenalprint-out
ofeveryvotepolled,shallbetakenoutandshowntotherepresentavesof
policalpares.
SealtheControlUnitwithPinkPapersealandaxsignatureofEngineerand
representaveofDEO.TheSl.No.ofPinkPaperSealistoberecordedalong
withSl.No.ofCUinaRegister.
a) PastetheFLC-OK(Green)sckeronbacksideofCUandBU.
RecordtheSerial Number of ControlUnit andBallotUnitandax
signatureonFLCscker.
b) NotedowntotalnumbersofCUsandBUsthatareacceptedaerFLC
intheprescribedformat.
c) PastetheFLC-FAILED(Red)sckeronbacksideofCUand
BU.RecordtheSerialNumberofControlUnitandBallotUnitandax
signatureonFLCscker.
d) ConsolidateSerialnumbersofdefecveunitsanddefectsobservedin
theprescribedformat.SubmitacopyofthesametoFLCIn-charge.
a) RemovetopcoverofCU,replacetheoldRTCcellwithnewoneand
re-xthecabinet.
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143
b) Putthetampersckeron fourscrewsontopside. Fix theRTCcell
sckeronthebackoftheControlUnit.
c) Note down total number of Control Units in which RTC cells were
replacedintheprescribedformat.
TamperScker RTCcellscker
a) Bring the CU to “Result” mode. Hold simultaneously “Result” and
“Print”buonsandswitchONCU.CUshalldisplay“SetTime”mode.
b) ConnecttheTimeSetJigwithCUandpress“Set”buonintheTime
SetJig.CurrentDateandTimeissetinCU.
c) SwitchOFFCU.Again,switchONandconrmtheDateandTime.
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144
PutallUnitsinrespecvecarryingcasesand,inturn,inbulkcarryingcases
and releases them for proper storage. Ensure that the rejected Units are
idenedwithsuitablesckersandkeptseparately.
VVPATANDITSACCESSORIES
a) Open the Ballot Slip Compartment and check for any ballot slips
inside.Ifanyoldprintedslipswitheleconsymbolsisfound,report
totheFLCIn-chargeimmediately.
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145
b) Remove previously placed address tag and FLC sckers from the
VVPAT.
c) Remove any paper slips from the VVPAT, if found inside. Remove
baery pack from the baery compartment, if any, present in the
VVPAT.
d) Perform mechanical inspecon by checking connector and baery
compartment, LOCK-UNLOCK switch and latching/Unlatching of
latches.
a) Open Baery Compartment of VVPAT by pressing both the latches
togetherandpullingthedooroutwards.
b) ObservetheBaeryPlugpresentinsideBaerycompartment.
c) InserttheVVPATBaerybypluggingintothebaeryplug.
d) ClosethebaeryCompartmentdoor.
a) OpenthePaperRollcompartmentbyopeningthesidelatchesand
byliingthetopcover.ObservethePaperRollCompartmentwhich
holdsthePaperroll.
b) Remove “Spindle” from its posion by pulling towards upward
direcon.
c) Insert“Spindle”into“ThermalPaperRoll”.
d) Place the “Thermal Paper Roll” with “Spindle” into its posion (i.e
PaperRollcompartment)andpressittowardsdown.
e) Insert “Thermal Paper Roll” edge into the “Guide -Paper Entry”.
Ensure that the plain paper should be on the top surface and the
printedbandshouldbeonthelowerSurfaceofthePaper.
f) Move the paper into the slot by rotang the paper feed knob
clockwise.
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146
PaperRollInstallaonsteps
Dummy symbols prescribed for FLC and demonstraon purpose shall be
loadedusingLaptop/Computer/SymbolLoadingJigfor16candidatebuons.
a) OpenconnectorcompartmentofVVPAT.
b) ConnectcablefromBallotUnittoBUInterfaceconnectormatching
thecolouredlatches(red/blackconnector).
c) ConnectcablefromVSDUtoVSDUinterfaceconnectormatchingthe
colouredlatches(blue/greenconnector).
d) Connect VVPAT cable to BU interface connector of Control Unit
matchingthecolouredlatches(red/blackconnector).
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147
1BU,VSDUandCUareneeded.
The VVPAT should be inialized and loaded with 16 dummy-
symbols.
MakeconneconsandoperatetheVVPAT.
Thetesthastobeperformedunderstandardcondionswhere
anewbaery(Voltage>22V)andanewpaperrollareused.
i) Ensure Lock-Unlock switch at the back-side of VVPAT is in unlock
(Vercal)posion.
ii) SwitchontheCU.
iii) AertheVVPATisturnedon,thePOSTslipandveself-diagnoscs
reportsareprinted.Inthiscase,theDiagnoscsreportshouldonlybe
checkedforPASS/FAILstatusasself-diagnoscstestwouldhavebeen
carriedoutontheseunits.
iv) Beforeproceedingformock-poll,checkthestatusofeachsensorin
thediagnoscsreports.Proceedtonextsteponlyifthestatusofeach
sensorisshownas“PASS”inthediagnoscsreport.
v) IfthestatusofBaeryinBaeryreportisindicatedas“FAIL”,change
thebaerypackandstartthetestagain.
vi) PuttheCUinclearstate
vii) PressBallotBuononCUandverifythattheBusyLEDglowRedon
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148
CUandVSDU.ReadyLEDonBUglowGreenindicangBUisreadyfor
Vong.
viii) Cast vote for rst candidate on BU. On the selecon of candidate,
VVPATprintstheselecononballotslip.
ix) The ballot slip is displayed behind a transparent window of VVPAT
for7seconds.Verifythecandidatenumber,symbolandnameofthe
candidateintheslip.Aerthat,ballotslipwillautomacallycutand
fallintotheBallotslipcompartment.
x) RepeatstepsfromviitoixforalltheothercandidatesontheBallot
Unit.CheckwhetherVVPATprintstheselectedcandidateinformaon.
xi) Connuepollingforminimumof96votesi.e.bygiving6votetoeach
candidatebuon.NotedowntheBallotvoted.
xii) PressClosebuononCUtoClosethePollandnotedowntheResult
bypressingResultBuononCU.
xiii) Takeouttheprintedballotslipsfromdropbox(ballotslipcompartment)
andsegregatecandidate-wise.
xiv) Count the candidate-wise printed ballot slips and note down the
count.
xv) TallyCUresultwiththeballotslipcount.
xvi) ClearthevotesbypressingClearbuoninCU.CheckwhetherTotal
Votesdisplayedis‘0’.
TheVVPATisFLCOK,ifallofthefollowingareachieved
i) ThetotalnumberofvotespolledasdisplayedontheCUscreen
indicates equal to number of votes cast, when TOTAL key is
pressed.
ii) “PRINTERERROR”“CHANGEPRINTER”shouldnotbedisplayed
onVSDUduringthemock-poll.
iii) “1-LOWBATTERY”“CHANGEBATTERY”shouldnotbedisplayed
onVSDUduringmock-poll.
iv) Aer conduct of mock-poll, the duly
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149
signed by the Engineer and representave of the District
EleconOcershallbepastedonthewhose
resultsareobtainedas‘PASS’.
1. “Transportaon”2.“Working”and3.“UnlockbeforeSwitchON”
MAXIMUMNUMBEROFCANDIDATESTEST
i) Purpose
ThepurposeofthistestistoverifythattheVVPATisworkingproperlywith
maximum number of candidates i.e. 64. The purpose is to test that the
communicaonprotocolbetweenVVPAT,CUandBUs.
ii)
ThistestisapplicabletoVVPATalongwithCUandBUsconnectedasasystem.
Thistestisanextendedtestofpollingtestandisperformedonlyon1%of
theVVPATlot.
iii)
One VVPAT with 64 symbols loaded, 4 BUs, 1VSDU and 1CU are needed.
MakeconneconsandoperatetheVVPAT.Thistestcanbeconductedwith
usedBaerypackandusedPaperroll(shouldbesucientforprinng64
ballotslips).
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150
iv) Test Procedure
i) PressBALLOTkeytoenabletheBallotandvoteforanycandidatein
therstBU.Atotalof4votestobecastedbyvongtoonecandidate
ineachBU.
ii) PressClosebuononCUtoClosethePollandnotedowntheResult
bypressingResultBuononCU.
iii) TallyCUresultwiththeballotslipcount.
iv) RemovealltheballotslipsfromVVPATandclearthevotesbypressing
ClearbuoninCU.CheckwhetherTotalVotesdisplayedis‘0’
v) Acceptance Criteria
Thetestissuccessfulifthefollowingcondionsaremet:
i) NoerrormessageisdisplayedonCUduringtheballongprocess.
ii) “PRINTER ERROR” “CHANGE PRINTER” is not displayed on VSDU
duringthetest.
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151
OnpressofBallotkeyonCU,iftheerrorcode2displayedonVSDUalongwith
sequenceofmessages,thenswitchoCU.Notedowntheerrorcodeobservedfor
PrintererrorintheTestformat.Errorcodedetailsaregivenbelow:
PrinterError2.1–AbnormalHeadTemperature
PrinterError2.3–PrinterTimeoutError
PrinterError2.4–PrinterLowVoltageError
PrinterError2.5–PrinterIncorrectCommandError
PrinterError2.6–CuerError
PrinterError2.7–FallError
PrinterError2.8–PrintermemoryError
PrinterError2.9–ContrastError
PrinterError2.10–LengthError
PrinterError2.12–PlatenOpenError
PrinterError2.13–NoPaperError
PrinterError2.14–DepleteError
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152
EVM FAILED REPORT
Date:
Place:
CU
Signature:Signature:
Name:Name:
(BEL/ECILEngineer)(DEO’sRepresentave)
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153
Date:
Place:
S.No. VVPAT
Serial
Number
Visual
inspecon
Ok/Not
Ok
Post/
Diagnosc
reportOk/
NotOk*
Symbol
Loading
Ok/Not
Ok
Link
Check
Ok/Not
Ok
Votes
Polled
(96)
PASS/
FAIL
Incaseof
Failure,Defect
observed(Value
ofparameter
causingfailure)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Signature: Signature:
Name: Name :
(BEL/ECIL Engineer) (DEO’s Representative)
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154
Annexure-7
(MockPollResultCercaonDuringFLCofEVMs)
Date: ……………..
Address of hall:
Itisceredthataprintoutoftheresultofmockpollaswellasasequenalprint
outofeveryvotepolledduringthemockpollhasbeentakenoutfrom………EVMs
pickedupbyme.Therearenodiscrepanciesbetweenthevotespolledduringthe
mockpollandresultintheprintout.
No.
date
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155
Annexure-8
(MockPollbyRepresentavesofPolicalParesduringFLCofEVMs)
Date:……………..
Address of hall:
ItisceredthatIhavedonemockpollon…………..EVMsandIamfullysased
withthefunconingofEVMs.
date
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156
(MockPollcercaonduringFLCofVVPATs)
Date:……………..
Address of hall:
ItisceredthattheresultsoftheprintedballotslipsofVVPATs(listofuniqueID
ofVVPATsaached)havebeentalliedwiththeelectronicresultoftherespecve
Control Units. There are no discrepancies between the electronic count of the
ControlUnitsandcountofprintedballotpaperslipsofVVPATs.
date
NameofEngineersofBEL/ECIL (Signature)
1.
2.
3.
(Signature)………………………………………………………………….
NameofFLC-Supervisor……………………………………………..
Designaon………………………………………………………………..
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157
Annexure-10
(SealingofControlUnitofEVMsusingPinkPaperSeal)
Address of FLC hall:
Date:
ItisceredthatthesealingoftheControlUnitsusingPinkPaperSealshasbeen
doneinmypresence.IhaveputmysignatureonthePinkPaperSealsaersealing
oftheControlUnitsandIamsasedwiththesealingoftheControlUnits.
Sl.No. UniqueIDNo.ofControl
Unit
PinkPaperSealNumber
S.No. Name of
National/
State Party
Name of
representative of
political party with
party afliation
Identity
document No.
with date
Signature of
representative
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158
Annexure-11
(CercateonarrangementforFLCbyDEO)
Address of FLC hall:
Date:…………………..
1 Whether FLC hall is suciently large to accommodate the
EVMsandVVPATstobechecked,ocialsnominatedbythe
DEO, engineers of BEL and ECIL and also representaves of
policalpares.
2 WhetherFLCHallwell-lighted,wellvenlatedanddustfree.
3 WhetherFLCareahasbeenbarricadedandsanizedbypolice
4 Whetheradequatearrangementofreexnguishersandre
alarmhasbeenmadeinsideandoutsidethehall.
5 Whether hall is free from any other electronic device or
componentsofelectronicdevices
6 Whether facilies of drinking water, toilet, rst aid etc are
available
7 Whetherthereisonlyoneentryandexitpointtothehalland
guardedbyarmedpoliceforceroundtheclock.
8 Whetherdoorframe,metaldetectorareinstalled
9 Whetherarrangementforfriskinghasbeenmade
10 Whether Identy Cards for entry into the FLC hall to the
authorized ocials/Representaves of polical pares have
beenissuedbytheDistrictEleconOcer
11 Whetherarrangementofwebcasnghavebeenmade
12 Whetherlogbooktorecordentryofeverypersonhasbeen
keptatFLChall
13 Whether a separate log book (i.e. duty roaster) to be
maintainedforarmedpoliceforcedeployedforFLChallhas
beenkeptatFLChall
14 Whetherallrequiredregistersandformatsarereadyandkept
inFLChall
15 NumberofArmedPolicePersonnelineachshi
Ihavepersonallyinspectedtheabovearrangements.
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159
Annexure-12
(CercateoncompleonofFLCprocess)
Address of FLC hall:
Date: …………………..
ItisceredthatFLCprocesshasbeencompletedon…………………….(date)asper
instrucons of the Commission on First Level Checking of EVMs and VVPATs. I
personallyinspectedFLConfollowingdates:
ThestatusofEVMsandVVPATsaercompleonofFLCisasunder:
of
District
District
BU CU VVPAT BU CU VVPAT BU CU VVPAT
ThedefecveEVMsandVVPATsshallbeshiedtothemanufacturer(BEL/ECIL)
on…………………i.e.within7daysfromthedateofcompleonofFLCprocessinthe
district.
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160
Annexure-13
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161
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162
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163
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164
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165
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166
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167
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168
Annexure-14
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169
Annexure-15
(RegisterforPreparaonofEVMs)
Date:
candidate
of candidates
date
Note:Ifacandidateorhisrepresentaveisabsenttheproofofdueserviceof
nocetothecandidateshouldbepastedintheregister.
(NameandsignatureofengineersofBEL/ECILwithIDNo.)
(Name,designaon,signatureofocersnominatedbyDistrictEleconOcer)
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170
Annexure-16
(CercaonofEVMsbyBEL/ECIL)
Address of hall:
Date:
ItisceredthattestsprescribedbyBEL/ECILtoascertainthatallcomponentsare
originalwerecarriedoutontheBallongUnitlistedbelowon……..(date).Onthe
basisofthesetestsitisceredthatallcomponentsoftheBallongUnitlisted
belowareoriginal.
.
(Name&signatureofBEL/ECILengineerswithIDNo.)
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171
Annexure-17
INSTALLATIONOFPAPERROLLINVVPAT
a) OpenthePaperRollcompartmentbyopeningthesidelatchesandbyliing
thetopcover.ObservethePaperRollCompartmentwhichholdsthePaper
roll.
b) Remove“Spindle”fromitsposionbypullingtowardsupwarddirecon.
c) Insert“Spindle”into“ThermalPaperRoll”.
d) Placethe“ThermalPaperRoll”with“Spindle”intoitsposion(i.ePaperRoll
compartment)andpressittowardsdown.
e) Insert“ThermalPaperRoll”edgeintothe“Guide-PaperEntry”.Ensurethat
theplainpapershouldbeonthetopsurfaceandtheprintedbandshouldbe
onthelowerSurfaceofthePaper.
f) Movethepaperintotheslotbyrotangthepaperfeedknobclockwise.
PaperRollInstallaonsteps
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172
Annexure-18
(MockPollcercaonduringPreparaonofEVMs)
Date:……………..
Address of hall:
It is cered that during commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, mock poll of
1000 votes have been cast on 5% randomly selected EVMs, as well as VVPATs.
The electronic result tallied with paper count, picked up by me. There are no
discrepanciesbetweenthevotespolledduringthemockpoll.
candidate
date
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173
Annexure-19
(RegisterforSealingofBallongUnitofEVMsusingPinkPaperSeal)
Address of FLC hall:
Date:
ItisceredthatthesealingoftheBallongUnitsusingPinkPaperSealshasbeen
doneinmypresence.IhaveputmysignatureonthePinkPaperSealsaersealing
oftheBallongUnitsandIamsasedwiththesealingoftheBallongUnits.
candidate
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174
Annexure-20
Date of Poll:
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
ernku dEikVZesaV
VOTING COMPARTMENT
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175
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176
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177
Annexure-21
ThisisceredthatI,………………PresidingOceratthePollingStaonNo……….
of ……………………..Assembly Constuency (or the ……………………………Assembly
segment under ……………………………Parliamentary Constuency) conducted
the mock poll at ……….. AM today, the poll day i.e. ………………(date), following
scrupulouslyalltheinstruconsissuedbytheEleconCommissionofIndia,using–
CUofSerialNo.(asprintedonback-sideoftheCU)……………………………………………
BUofSerialNo.(asprintedonback-sideoftheBU)…………………………………………
VVPATUnitofSerialNumber(ifused)…………………………………………………………
1. Atotalof………voteswerecastforeachcandidateandalsoforNOTA.
2. It was veried that the LED light was geng lit up against the correct
candidate/NOTAbuon,whenthebuonwaspressedandbeepsoundwas
properlyheard.
3. The candidate-wise detail of votes polled during mock-poll and result
displayed,isasunder:
S.No. NameoftheCan-
didate
Number
ofvotes
castduring
mockpoll
Numberof
votesdis-
playedinCU
onchecking
theresult
Numberof
PrintedPa-
perSlips,as
percounng
onchecking
mockpollre-
sult(ifVVPAT
used)
VotesCast
andResult
displayed
&Printed
PaperSlip
count(if
VVPATused)
Talliedwith
eachother
(YES/NO)
NOTA
Total
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178
4.
5. At the me of mock poll the following polling agents represenng the
candidateswhosenamesmenonedagainstthenamesofsuchagentswere
presentandIhaveobtainedtheirsignatures.
6. PollStartDateandTimeseenonthedisplayofCUatthemeofstartof
actualpoll………………………………………………..(TobelledincaseofPost-2006
EVMs).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
or
Atthe mescheduledformockpollnopolling agentwaspresent/theagentof
onlyonecontesngcandidatewaspresent.Aerwaingforeenmoreminutes,
Iconductedthemockpollalongwithotherpollingstaat…….….AM.
SignatureofMicro-Observer(ifpostedatthepollingstaon)
Date:
Time: Name&SignatureofthePresidingOcer
PollingStaonNo………….
PollingStaonName…………………..
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179
Annexure-22
HANDLINGOFCU-BU-VVPATFAILURES/ERRORSDURINGPOLL
PREPARATIONOFPOLLINGOFFICIALSFORFAULTHANDLING-SUGGESTIONS
Certain conngencies may arise during the polling process which may require
certainacons.Theseareasfollows:-
:(i)SwitchotheCUand
don’tswitchitonagain(ii)ReplacethecompletesetofEVMandVVPATby
anothersetofBU,CUandVVPAT(iii)
poll. (iv) ConnuethepollwiththenewEVMset,aerclearingmockpoll
dataandprintedpaperslipsfromVVPATDropBox.
(i)Checkthatthecable
conneconsareproperbyvisual inspecon (don’tremoveand reconnect
theconnectors);(ii)If“LinkError”sllpersists,replacethecompletesetof
EVMandVVPAT.
:SwitchotheCUandreplacethePowerPackofVVPATprinter. It
shouldbeensuredthatinnocasereplacementofpowerpackisdonewithout
switchingotheCU.
SwitchotheCUandreplace
thedefecveVVPATunitwiththenewVVPATunit.Itshallbeensuredthatinno
casereplacementofVVPATunitisdonewithoutswitchingotheControlUnit.
(i)If
thebusylampoftheCUisnotglowingandnoMessage/Errorisdisplayed
onVSDU,thecomplaintshouldbeconsideredasbaselessandrejected;(ii)If
busylampisglowingontheCUandnoMessage/ErrorisdisplayedonVSDU,
theVotershallberequestedtogointotheVongCompartmentonceagain
andpresstheCandidateBuononBUofhischoice;(iii)Ifbusylampofthe
CUandVSDUareglowingandVSDUhasnodisplaymessage,pleaseswitch
OFFtheCUandreplacetheVVPATunit.(iv)Thelastvoterwhosepaperslip
hasnotbeenprintedbyVVPATorhasnotbeencutshouldbeallowedtocast
hisvoteaertheVVPATunithasbeenreplaced.
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180
PleasekeepinmindthatthevoteisnotrecordedintheCUelectronically
unlessthepapersliphasbeenprintedandcutbyVVPAT.IfVVPAThasnot
printedthepaperslip,ortheprintedpapersliphasnotbeencut,thelast
voterwhosepapersliphasnotbeenprintedbyVVPATorhasnotbeencut
shouldbeallowedtocasthisvoteaertheVVPATunithasbeenreplaced.
paper roll:ReplacethePrinter,butnoeortshouldbemadetomakeitfall
intothedropbox.Itshouldbeallowedtoremainhanging,asitisnottobe
countedattheme ofcounngoftheballotslips.Thedetailsofsuchan
occurrenceshouldbeclearlyrecordedinthePresidingOcersdiaryinthe
followingformat:
i) Thedateandmeoftheoccurrence.
ii) Thenameofthevoterandhisserialnumberinpartintheelectoral
rollwhowasallowedtocasthisvoteaerreplacementofVVPAT.
iii) WhetherthevotercasthisvoteaerreplacementofVVPATorwent
awaywithoutcasnghisvote.
iv) TheTotalnumberofvotescastbeforetheoccurrence.
other than the one he voted for: Aconshouldbetakenasperprovisionsof
Rule49MAoftheConductofElecons(Amendment)Rules,2013:
(i) Obtain a declaraon from the complainant in the Declaraon Form
() under his/her signature/thumb impression; (ii) Proceed to
the vong compartment along with the complainant and polling agents
presentinthepollingstaonatthatmoment;(iii)Thevotershallbeasked
tocastatestvoteinfavourofanycandidateandmakesecondentryrelated
tothatelectorintheForm-17A;(iv)ObservecarefullywhetherthePrinter
has printed the paper slip correctly; (v) If the complaint of the elector is
foundgenuine,the PresidingOcershall reportthefactsimmediatelyto
theROandstopfurtherpolling atthestaon;(vi)Ifthe complaintof the
electorisfoundfalse,makearemarktothateectagainstthesecondentry
relangtothatelectorinForm-17Amenoningtheserialnumberandname
ofthecandidateforwhomsuchtestvotehasbeenrecordedandobtainthe
signatureorthumbimpressionagainstsuchremark.Furthermakenecessary
entriesregardingsuchtestvoteinitem5inPart-IofForm17-C.
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181
Annexure-23
CHECKLISTOFADDITIONALITEMSOFPOLLINGMATERIALSTOBEPROVIDEDTO
THEPOLLINGPARTY
1. VoterVeriablePaperAuditTrail(VVPAT)PrinterUnit : 1No.
2. VVPATStatusDisplayUnit(VSDU) : 1No.
3. CarryingCasefortheVVPATsystem : 1No.
4. Envelopemadeofthickblackpaper : 2Nos.
5. (ForsealingprintedpaperslipsofMockPoll)
PlascBoxforBlackPaperEnvelopeSealing : 1No.
6. PinkPaperSealforsealingPlascBox : 2Nos.
7. Formofdeclaraonbyelectorunderrule49MA : 10copies
oftheConductofEleconsRules
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182
Annexure-24
General/Bye-Eleconto………………………………………………………………
Sl.No.andNameofParliamentary/AssemblyConstuency……………………………
No.andNameofPollingStaon………………………………………………………
FORMOFDECLARATIONBYELECTOR
UNDERRULE49MAOFCONDUCTOFELECTIONSRULES,1961
1.Iherebysolemnlydeclareandarmundersub-rule(1)ofRule49MAofthe
Conduct of Elecons Rules 1961 that the paper slip generated by the printer
aachedtotheBallongUnithasshownthenameand/orsymbolofacandidate
otherthanthecandidateforwhomIvotedbypressingtheconcernedbluebuon
againstthenameandsymbolofthecandidateofmychoiceontheBallongUnit.
Iamreadytocastatestvoteagaintoshowthattheallegaonmadebymeistrue
andbonade.
(2).Iamawareofthepenalprovisionsof Secon177oftheIPCthatI shallbe
liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months, or with ne which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both,
ifthedeclaraongivenbymeinpara1abovetothePresidingOcerappointed
underSecon26oftheRPAct,1951isfoundtobeincorrect.
Signature/ThumbimpressionoftheElector
NameoftheElector…………………………….
Father/Mother/Husband’sName……………….
PartNo.ofelectorroll………………………….
Sl.No.ofelectorinthatPart……………………
Sl.No.inRegisterofVoters(Form17A)……….
Dated………………..
Ceredthattheabovedeclaraonwasmadeandsubscribedbytheelectorabove
namedbeforeme.
SignatureofthePresidingOcer
…………………………………
Dated…………
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183
Annexure-25
(Report on geng result data from Control Unit whose CLOSE buon was not
pressedbyPresidingOcerattheendofpoll)
NameofState/UT:
NameofDistrict:
Nameofelecon:
Number&NameofAssembly/ParliamentaryConstuency:
DateofCounng:
ItisceredthattheresulthasbeenobtainedfromthefollowingControlUnit(s)
aer pressing CLOSE buon in the presence of the contesng candidates/
their counng agents. The result of the elecon has been declaredtaking into
consideraontheresultfromthismachineaswell.
No.
No.
of Control
Unit
Detailed Report No. of votes polled in
the Control Unit as per
Finalstatementshowingvotespolledbythewinningandrunnerupcandidates
Votes polled
(Name&SignatureofReturningOcer)
(Name&SignatureofObserver)
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184
Annexure-26
(Report on discrepancy in total votes shown in the Control Unit whose CLOSE
buonwasnotpressedbyPresidingOcerattheendofpollandasmenoned
inForm17-C)
NameofState/UT:
NameofDistrict:
Nameofelecon:
Number&NameofAssembly/ParliamentaryConstuency:
DateofCounng:
Itisceredthatthediscrepancyhas beennocedinthe totalvotespolledin
thefollowingControlUnit(s),aerpressingTOTALbuonoftheControlUnitand
comparingitwiththetotalvotespolledmenonedinForm17-C.
No.
ID No.
of Control
Unit
No. of votes
No. of votes
polled in
the Control
Unit as per
Finalstatementshowingvotespolledbythewinningandrunnerupcandidates
Votes polled
As the margin of votes between the candidate having highest votes and the
runnerupismorethanthevotespolledmenonedintheForm17Crelangtothe
ControlUnit(s)menonedabove,themaerisbeingreferredtotheCommission
forpermissiontosetasidethevotespolled in the said ControlUnits(s)andto
declaretheresult.
(Name&SignatureofReturningOcer)
(Name&SignatureofObserver)
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185
Annexure-27
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186
Annexure-28
ANNEXURETOPART-IIOFFORM17-C
RESULTOFPRINTEDPAPERCOUNT
PollingStaonNo.______ Total number of VVPATs
used:____________________
UniqueIDofVVPAT:___________
candidate
candidate
votes as per
count of
Printed Paper
deducted as per
of valid
votes.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Total
Whetherthetotalnumberofvotesshownabovetallieswiththetotalnumberof
votesshownagainstitem6ofPartIoranydiscrepancynocedbetweenthetwo
totals.(YES/NO)
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
SignatureofCounngSupervisor
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187
Nameofcandidate/eleconagent/counngagent Fullsignature
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
SignatureofReturningOcer
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188
Annexure-29
FORM17C
[Seerules49Sand56C(2)]
PARTI–ACCOUNTOFVOTESRECORDED
ElecontoHouseofthePeople/LegislaveAssemblyoftheState/UnionTerritory
………….………………from………………………..constuency.
NumberandNameofPollingStaon: ……………………
IdencaonNumberofvong ControlUnit…………...
MachineusedatthePollingStaon: BallongUnit………….
Printer(ifused)…………
1. TotalnumberofelectorsassignedtothePollingStaon
2. TotalnumberofvotersasenteredintheRegisterforVoters(Form17A)
3. Numberofvotersdecidingnottorecordvotesunderrule49-O
4. Numberofvotersnotallowedtovoteunderrule49M
5. Testvotesrecordedunderrule49MA(d)requiredtobededucted-
a) totalnumberoftestvotestobededucted: Total No. Sl.No.(s) of
elector(s)inForm17A
……… …………...............……….
b) Candidate(s)forwhomtestvote(s)cast:Sl.No. Name of
candidateNo.ofvotes
…………. ………………… ……….
…………. ………………… ……….
6. Totalnumberofvotesrecordedaspervongmachine:………………………………….
7. Whetherthetotalnumberofvotesasshownagainstitem6tallieswiththe
total number of votes as shown against item 2 minus numbers of voters
decidingnottorecordvotesasagainstitem3minusnumberofvotersas
againstitem4(i.e.2-3-4)oranydiscrepancynoced:…………………………………
8. NumberofvoterstowhomtenderedBallotpaperswereissuedunderrule
49P:…………..
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189
9. NumberoftenderedBallotpapers: Sl.No.
Total From To
a) receivedforuse …………………………………………………
b) issuedtoelectors …………………………………………………
c) notusedandreturned ………………………………………....………
10. Accountofpapersseals
1. Papersealssuppliedforuse:
TotalNo………………1…………..............….
Sl.No.from…………….To…………..............….
2. Papersealsused:
TotalNo………………2…………..............….
Sl.No.from…………….To…………..............….
3. Unusedpapersealsreturnedto
ReturningOcer:
TotalNo……………… 3…………..............….
Sl.No.from…………….To…………..............….
4. Damagedpaperseal,ifany:
TotalNo………………4…………..............….
Sl.No.from…………….To…………..............….
5…………..............…..
6…………..............…..
Date…………..............….
Place…………..............….
SignatureofPresidingOcer
Polling Staon No……………..............….
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190
candidate
candidate
of votes as
control unit
deducted as per
of valid
votes.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Total
Whetherthetotalnumberofvotesshownabovetallieswiththetotalnumberof
votesshownagainstitem6ofPartIoranydiscrepancynocedbetweenthetwo
totals.
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
SignatureofCounngSupervisor
Nameofcandidate/eleconagent/counngagent Fullsignature
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Place…………………..
Date…………………….
SignatureofReturningOcer
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191
Annexure-30
MandatoryvericaonofpaperslipsofVVPATof01randomlyselected
pollingstaon
NameofState/UT:…………………………………………………………………………….
No.andNameofAssembly/ParliamentaryConstuency:…………………………………
No.andNameofAssemblySegment(incaseofPC):……………………………………..
Sl.No.andnameofPollingStaon:………………………………………………………..
UniqueIDofControlUnit:…………………………………………………………………
UniqueIDofVVPAT:……………………………………………………………………..
ItiscerfythatpilottesngofcounngofpaperslipsofVVPATof01randomly
selected polling staon has been conducted as per the instrucons of the
Commission.
NameofCandidate No.ofVotesCast Discrepancyifany
AsperEVM AsperPaperSlips
1.
2.
3.
--
--
NOTA
TOTALVOTES
SignatureofCounngAgents
1……………………..
2……………………..
3……………………..
SignatureofCounngSupervisor
SignatureofReturningOcer
SignatureofGeneralObserve
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Manual on
Electronic Voting Machine and
VVPAT
July 2018
Document 2 - Edition 3
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
Website : www.eci.nic.in, Tel. : 011-23052205, Fax : 011-23052219
“No voter to be left behind”
Hkkjr fuokZpu vk;ksx
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
“No voter to be left behind”