Misleading claim about voting rights circulating ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections
New Delhi: A viral message regarding voting rights is circulating on social media ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, claiming that individuals can cast a "challenge vote" if their name is not on the voter list. The message also suggests that if someone has already cast their vote, individuals can request a "tender vote" to cast their ballot. Additionally, the message falsely states that if any polling booth records more than 14% tender votes, repolling will be conducted.
However, these claims are misleading. When a person's name is not on the voter list, they are not eligible to vote, even if they possess an Aadhar card or voter ID. The Election Commission of India issues Voter ID cards only to those whose names are included in the electoral rolls of their constituency. Therefore, simply possessing a Voter ID card does not guarantee the right to vote.
Regarding the mention of a "challenge vote" under Section 49A, this is a misrepresentation. The Handbook for Presiding Officers mentions a 'Challenged Vote', but Section 49A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, actually pertains to the design of Electronic Voting Machines and does not relate to a 'challenge vote'.
However, the claim about requesting a "tender vote" if someone has already cast your vote is true. Rule 42 of The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, allows individuals to cast a tendered ballot paper if the Polling Officer informs them that their vote has already been cast. In such cases, the Presiding Officer may ask questions to confirm the individual's identity, and a tendered ballot paper will be provided.
Regarding the claim about repolling if a polling booth records more than 14% tender votes, this is false. Tendered votes are considered only on the direction of a High Court, as clarified by a former Director of the Election Commission of India.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
