The Supreme Court has heard a batch of petitions seeking complete cross-verification of votes polled on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. As the court expressed concerns about preserving the people's faith in the system, the Election Commission of India (ECI) was questioned on the technical and operational aspects of EVMs and VVPATs. The court emphasized the need to allay any apprehensions and ensure the sanctity of the electoral process. The Senior Deputy Election Commissioner clarified the technical aspects of the machines and reiterated that all information about their functioning is in the public domain.
VVPAT: Ensuring Transparency in India's Electoral Process
Background
In India, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been widely used since 2000 to facilitate transparent and efficient elections. However, concerns have been raised about the reliability and verifiability of EVM results. To address these concerns, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system in 2010.
VVPAT is a system that generates a paper trail for each vote cast on an EVM. After casting their vote on the EVM, the voter is given a VVPAT slip that displays the candidate and party they voted for. The slip is then dropped into a sealed container, allowing for later verification of the vote against the VVPAT slips.
Supreme Court Hearing
In May 2023, the Supreme Court heard a batch of petitions seeking complete cross-verification of votes polled on EVMs with VVPAT slips. The court expressed concerns about preserving the people's faith in the electoral system and questioned the ECI on the technical and operational aspects of EVMs and VVPATs.
ECI's Response
The Senior Deputy Election Commissioner clarified the technical aspects of the machines and reiterated that all information about their functioning is in the public domain. The ECI also stated that:
Top 5 FAQs on EVMs and VVPATs
Q1: How are VVPAT slips verified? A1: After the polls close, VVPAT slips are tallied against the EVM results. Any discrepancies are investigated by the ECI.
Q2: Can EVMs be hacked? A2: The ECI maintains that EVMs cannot be hacked as they are tamper-proof and have no internet connectivity.
Q3: Are VVPAT slips completely reliable? A3: While VVPAT slips provide an additional layer of verification, they can still be subject to accidental errors or intentional manipulation.
Q4: Why is VVPAT verification not mandatory for all elections? A4: The ECI has stated that mandatory VVPAT verification for all elections would be a complex and time-consuming process.
Q5: What are the advantages of using VVPATs? A5: VVPATs provide a physical record of votes, increase voter confidence, and enable the verification of election results in case of disputes.
Conclusion
The VVPAT system has been implemented in India to enhance the transparency and verifiability of the electoral process. While VVPATs provide an additional layer of assurance, they are not without their limitations. The ECI continues to make efforts to improve the integrity and security of the electoral system, including the use of EVMs and VVPATs.
The usually glamorous and bustling city of Los Angeles was left devastated after four days of raging urban wildfires. The destruction was so severe that it resembled a war movie set, with rubble replacing buildings and burnt cars filling the streets. Images of a statue standing among the rubble and a resident surveying his neighbors' destroyed properties capture the extent of the damage in this horrifying disaster.
A man has been arrested for allegedly starting the Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles, which has burned over 800 acres of land. Locals caught the suspect near Ybarra Road and notified authorities, leading to his arrest five miles away from the fire's starting point. As officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, the death toll from various blazes around Los Angeles has reached ten, with many more expected as the fires continue to rage. Meanwhile, thousands of firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the massive wildfires.
In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening, a stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, killed six devotees and caused injuries to many others. The stampede occurred during preparations for the annual Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam festival, known for its special access to Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Despite efforts by officials to manage the crowds and distribute tokens, the overwhelming number of devotees resulted in a stampede-like situation. An inquiry has been launched to review safety protocols and ensure better crowd management in the upcoming days of the festival.
The sudden and rapid spread of wildfires in Los Angeles County has resulted in at least five deaths, the destruction of over 5,300 structures, and forced evacuation orders for nearly 180,000 residents. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the blazes continue to rage on, with experts predicting that the impact of climate change will continue to exacerbate the situation. The affected areas have been described as resembling a "bomb dropping", with looting and theft on the rise as residents flee their homes with only the bare essentials.
Satish is mourning the loss of his wife Lavanya, who tragically died in a stampede at the revered Tirumala temple during the annual pilgrimage. Lavanya had excitedly shared a selfie with her family and friends from the queue for tokens, moments before the stampede occurred. Reports reveal that the incident was triggered by an elderly woman who required medical attention, causing chaos and a surge of devotees towards the gates. The tragedy has shaken the thousands who had gathered for the auspicious occasion.
The fierce wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed the lives of at least five people and destroyed thousands of structures, causing widespread chaos and devastation. As President Biden declares a state of emergency and deploys additional resources to combat the flames, firefighters are hopeful as calmer winds aid containment efforts. However, for many residents, the devastating news of their destroyed homes has come via mobile alerts or television broadcasts, adding to the emotional toll of this tragic event. Meanwhile, California authorities are reminding hotels to uphold laws on fair lodging rates as thousands seek temporary shelter from the fires. The unsettling sight of a mountain lion and its cubs fleeing the fire paints a vivid picture of the terrifying reality facing the affected communities.
At least six people were killed and dozens were injured in a stampede at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred as devotees gathered in large numbers to receive tokens for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. The Chief Minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident and will visit the temple on Thursday to announce ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.
Donyi Polo Vidya Niketan (DPVN), a school based in Pasighat, has established a 'Sanskar Kendra' in Rani village of East Siang district, providing free education to children who cannot attend regular school. This initiative is aimed at promoting holistic development and growth among underprivileged children and was inaugurated by Rani Head Gaon Bura and other community leaders. The DPVN emphasized the importance of empowering the youth through education and values, and this 'Sanskar Kendra' is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
Stay informed and entertained with The Hindu's e-Paper, featuring books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features, as well as news and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming. Get a deep dive into current events with 'Data Point', and stay up to date on health and wellness with 'Health Matters'. Plus, 'The View From India' provides a unique perspective on world affairs, while 'Science For All' breaks down complex science topics for everyone to understand. Stay connected to your state and technology with 'Karnataka Today' and 'Today's Cache', respectively. Don't miss out on The Hindu e-Paper!
A shocking incident unfolded on a public bus in Pune, as a brave woman took matters into her own hands after being harassed by a drunk man. The video of her repeatedly slapping the man has gone viral on social media, with many praising her for standing up for herself. However, others have raised concerns about taking matters into one's own hands and the misuse of women empowerment. The incident has sparked a conversation about the prevalence of harassment faced by women on public transportation.