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Now the proof that you have voted is set to get bigger and bolder.
Amid complaints about improper application of indelible or ‘voter’ ink by poll officials in the recent elections, the Election Commission (EC) has issued orders saying the ink should be applied using a brush specifically provided for the purpose.
The recent order makes it clear that the ink “will be applied on voter’s finger with the help of brush from the top of the nail to the bottom of the first joint of the left forefinger”. Use of brush will ensure that besides being bigger, the ink mark will be bolder and more prominent.
Duplicate votes The EC said the polling official in charge of the ‘control unit’ (of electronic voting machine) “shall ensure that mark of the indelible ink is intact on the finger of electors, before pressing the ballot button of control unit”.
The poll watchdog said it is issuing the order as during the recent elections, it received certain reports regarding “improper application” of indelible ink.
There have been complaints that poll officials use match sticks instead of a brush to apply ink. The ink is barely visible and often leads to allegations that people have tried to remove it in a bid to cast a vote again.
The EC has also asked Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd to ensure the supply of brushes along with the indelible ink supplied to States and Union Territories with “immediate effect”. A Karnataka government undertaking, Mysore Paints provides the famous indelible ink for voters to all States in India and even some foreign countries.
In 1962, the EC, in collaboration with the Law Ministry, the National Physical Laboratory and National Research Development Corporation, made an agreement with Mysore Paints to supply the ink for Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
Since then the company has been supplying indelible ink for all elections. Once the ink is applied on the finger, it remains for few months, the company has claimed amid reports that people have been able to remove it soon after it is applied.
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