M.G. Devasahayam advocates for ballot papers over EVMs, citing concerns over democracy
Bengaluru: M.G. Devasahayam, the convener of the Forum for Electoral Integrity and a retired IAS officer, has called for the dropping of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in favor of traditional paper ballots, asserting that EVMs pose a threat to democracy.
Speaking at a press conference held at a private hotel, Devasahayam said that fair and impartial elections can only be ensured through the use of ballot papers. He criticized the EVM and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, stating that they do not align with democratic principles as voters are unable to verify their choices before casting their votes.
Devasahayam highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the manufacturing and sourcing of EVMs and VVPATs, raising concerns about the integrity of elections. He questioned the Election Commission's control over the electoral process, particularly in light of Aadhaar linkage to voter cards and the supervision of state-owned companies over EVMs.
Despite requests for information under the Right to Information Act, Devasahayam expressed disappointment over the Election Commission's delayed response and lack of transparency regarding EVMs. He stressed that EVMs do not offer adequate protection against tampering or fraudulent voting.
The press conference also featured Supreme Court Advocate Muhammad Pracha, writer Agrahara Krishnamurthy, and journalist S.R. Aradhya, who supported Devasahayam's call for a return to paper ballots.
Concerns were raised over the vulnerability of EVMs to hacking and virus attacks, prompting calls for a return to the use of traditional ballot papers for voting.
The event concluded with a petition signed by 112 technicians, experts, senior citizens, and civil service officers, urging the Election Commission to address the concerns raised about the integrity of the electoral process under the current EVM system.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
