Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday (August 24) said Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and have no internet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
During his two-day visit to Lucknow, Kumar interacted with students at the historic Colvin Taluqdars' College and discussed India’s democratic system, the electoral process, the reliability of EVMs and the role of young voters, according to an official statement.
Responding to questions about EVMs, the CEC stressed that the machines used in Indian elections are manufactured by public sector companies and are not connected to the internet or any wireless communication technology.
CEC advises students to verify authenticity of info
He advised students to verify the sources and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it, particularly in today's social media landscape. "Before accepting any information, it is essential to check its source and verify its authenticity," Kumar stated.
Recalling his student days in 1979, Kumar spoke fondly of his teachers and school, saying they played an important role in shaping his journey.
He also recalled a time when he was preparing to move to the United States but decided to stay in India, motivated by his mother's wishes and his attachment to the country. He subsequently cleared the Civil Services Examination and began his administrative career in the Kerala cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Kumar said his journey in public service eventually led him to become the Chief Election Commissioner of the world’s largest democracy.
Highlighting the scale of India's electoral exercise, he said the country has around 100 crore voters, making the conduct of elections across such a vast electorate a massive undertaking.
Kumar stated that a large number of officials and employees work to ensure the electoral process runs smoothly.
CEC encourages young people to engage in democratic process
Kumar encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic process, referring to Article 326 of the Constitution while urging students who have attained the age of 18 to register as voters.
He said the Election Commission provides voter registration facilities through its digital platforms, making it easier for eligible citizens to enrol.
Kumar also urged young people not only to register themselves as voters but also to encourage their family members and peers to participate in elections and exercise their franchise. "Young people are the most important force behind the democratic future of the country. If they participate in the electoral process with awareness, democracy will become stronger," he said.
Later, speaking at another programme, Kumar said, "As you are all aware, elections in India are conducted as per the Constitution, laws, and guidelines ('nirdesho'). When the electoral roll is prepared in India, its concurrent audit is carried out by the booth-level agents of all political parties. Similarly, during polling, a concurrent audit is conducted by the candidates' polling agents; and likewise, during the counting process, a concurrent audit is performed by the candidates' counting agents."
Kumar said the Election Commission had undertaken a concerted and proactive effort to strengthen the Electoral Literacy Club (ELC), an initiative that has been part of the commission's tradition for a long time.
"Interaction with principals, teachers, and students from 20 districts gives the assurance that our students possess a comprehensive knowledge of the electoral process and take pride in its transparency as well as their own participation in it," he said.
(With PTI inputs)
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