The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has kicked off a critical phase of its election preparations by starting the commissioning process for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This extensive exercise covers all 3,004 polling booths in the city, ensuring the machinery is ready for the upcoming civic polls.
Detailed Technical Checks Underway
Engineers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) are now deployed across the city to conduct thorough inspections of every EVM. The commissioning process involves a meticulous check of each machine's functionality, verification of ballot unit configurations, and ensuring all systems adhere to strict election norms. Officials stated that starting the process well in advance provides sufficient time to resolve any technical glitches that might surface.
Deputy Commissioner Mangesh Khavale, who also serves as the Strongroom Nodal Officer for these polls, explained the process. "'Commissioning' refers to configuring the machine according to the different candidates, their electoral symbols, and their names," he said. He highlighted that this task is more intricate for NMC polls compared to Lok Sabha or state assembly elections, as candidates and symbols must be identified for every individual ward.
Buffer Stock and Complex Configurations
To guarantee a smooth polling day, the administration has prepared a contingency plan. About 10% additional EVMs have been supplied to each Returning Officer. This buffer stock ensures that if any machine malfunctions, it can be swapped out immediately without disrupting the voting process.
The configuration of ballot units is not uniform and varies based on the number of candidates in different electoral areas, known as prabhags. Khavale detailed the setup: "In 11 prabhags, two ballot units are being used, while 22 prabhags require three ballot units. In five prabhags, four ballot units are necessary due to a higher number of candidates."
Logistics and Secure Storage
Parallel to the EVM work, the NMC has begun dispatching essential election materials to all Returning Officers. This consignment includes stationery, polling covers, ballot-related items, and other supplies required on voting day.
The entire commissioning operation is scheduled for completion by Thursday. Following this, the machines will be sealed and moved to a central strongroom. The Sanskrutik Bachat Bhavan has been designated as this secure storage facility. Once commissioned, all EVMs will be kept there under stringent security until they are transported to their respective polling stations on election day.
