DEO Sakshi Sawhney inspects commissioning of EVMs

Ludhiana, May 23, 2024: District Election Officer (DEO) Sakshi Sawhney reviewed the commissioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines for use in these on-going general elections. The inspection was conducted at eight locations at various schools and colleges in the district.

DEO Sawhney stated that the administration had started the preparation process of 7974 ballot units, 3498 control units, and 3795 VVPATs to be used on polling day. The commissioning process was conducted under 24x7 CCTV surveillance to ensure transparency.

Sawhney emphasized that the primary motive of the inspection was to ensure that polling for the general election was conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. She also held detailed interactions with the engineers of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), who had been assigned the duty of preparing these machines. The engineers confirmed that all EVMs and VVPATs would be ready for use after reformatting, which is crucial for ensuring smooth, hassle-free, and transparent elections.

Sawhney also shared that a total of 43 candidates are in the fray in the Ludhiana parliamentary constituency. She informed that 2921 polling booths have been set up for the poll day in district Ludhiana, with additional EVMs and VVPATs kept for the poll day. She assured that the elections would be held in a free and fair manner, without any fear.

Notable attendees at the inspection included GLADA Additional Chief Administrator Ojsavi Alankar, ADC Rupinder Pal Singh, GLADA Estate Officer Ankur Mohindroo, Additional MC Commissioner Paramdeep Singh, SDM Deepak Bhatia, Joint MC Commissioners Inder Pal and Chetan Bunger, Regional Transport Officer Randeep Singh Heer, and Assistant Commissioner (UT) Kritika Goyal.