Inspection of EVM Warehouse:  Election Officer stresses strict security protocols

Jamshedpur: District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi inspected the EVM warehouse at Kitadih on Tuesday and reviewed the security and maintenance arrangements of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units. During the inspection, he closely examined safe upkeep of the machines, security deployment, CCTV surveillance and record-keeping practices.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the Election Commission of India. He instructed that the security system of the warehouse must remain foolproof, with CCTV cameras functioning round-the-clock, proper backup of recordings, and their regular verification. He also emphasized that inspection registers and logbooks should be updated transparently and unauthorized entry must be strictly prohibited.

Satyarthi further stressed the need for regular audits of the security system, timely review of reporting processes, and strengthening of high-level monitoring mechanisms to maintain transparency. Representatives of various political parties were also present during the inspection.