As Lok Sabha Polls Draw Near, ECI Begins Awareness Programme On EVM, VVPATS

With the Lok Sabha elections 2024 just round the corner, ECI has started a nationwide awareness programme on EVMs and VVPATs.

The Election Commission of India began a nationwide awareness programme on EVMs and VVPATs ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. ( Image Source :PTI )

The Election Commission of India began a nationwide awareness programme on EVMs and VVPATs ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. According to press release issued by the poll body, it said that more than 3500 demonstration centres and nearly 4250 Mobile Vans deployed for awareness programme.

ECI begins a nation-wide awareness programme on EVMs and VVPATs ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. More than 3500 demonstration centres and nearly 4250 Mobile Vans deployed for awareness programme pic.twitter.com/735155U7eg

— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024

The awareness programme of the poll body includes outreach and awareness activities in 3,464 assembly constituencies spread across 613 districts in 31 states and UTs, ECI said in a statement.

“Over 3,500 demonstration centres and around 4,250 mobile vans have been set up to physically demonstrate EVM/VVPAT functionality to the public. CEOs and DEOs are also sharing the updates on social media platforms to enhance the outreach of this awareness programme,” ECI statement informed.

The programme ams to provide citizens with a first-hand experience of the voting process and familiarity with the machines, the Election Commission said.

"The awareness programme which is organised ahead of every General Election to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly focuses on imparting knowledge about the basic features of EVMs and VVPATs, elucidating the step-by-step procedure of casting votes, and educating voters on how to verify their choices through the VVPAT slip," the press release said.

"Awareness through physical demonstration fosters deeper understanding of EVM & VVPAT functionality and is instrumental in dispelling misconceptions, boosting voter confidence, and ensuring a more informed and participative electorate," it further stated.

The press release also stated that as per ECI’s standing instructions, state Chief Electoral Officers need to start a focussed awareness campaign approximately 3 months prior to the announcement of election (for this purpose the date of announcement of the last election may be considered).

"A schedule for the awareness campaign is prepared by the DEO assembly constituency/ segment-wise which is also shared with National and State Recognized Political Parties and local media, the release said.