Election Commission has issued orders instructing that the ink should be applied using a brush specifically provided for the purpose. The order makes it clear that the ink "will be applied on the voter's finger with the help of brush from top of the nail to the bottom of the first joint of the left forefinger". This will ensure the marking is bold and visible. The EC said that the polling official in-charge of the 'control unit' (of electronic voting machine) "shall ensure that the mark of the indelible ink is intact on the finger of electors, before pressing the ballot button of control unit".
"A copy of this instruction may be sent to all district election officers and returning officers. This instruction may also be brought to the notice of all presiding officers and polling officers during trainings for strict compliance. A copy of this instruction shall be kept in the kit of presiding officer given to him while leaving for poll duty," the Commission said.
The order is issued by the election commission, as during the recent elections, certain reports regarding "improper application" of indelible ink have been received by the Commission. The complaint stated that poll officials are using match sticks, instead of a brush to apply ink. The ink is not visible and often leads to allegations that people have tried to remove it in a bid to cast bogus votes again.
The Election Commission has also instructed the Managing Director of Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd, to ensure the supply of brushes along with the indelible ink supplied to the states and UTs with "immediate effect". Karnataka government undertaking, Mysore Paints provides the famous indelible ink for voters to all states in India and even some foreign countries.
Indelible ink markings are used to mark voter’s finger during elections to avoid fraudulent, multiple voting and malpractices. This ink is not removable for a few days, which prevents the casting of false votes. This is a welcome step from the election commission to avoid bogus voting.
By Premji
