Punjab Newsline | Pathankot
The first-level checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines began in Pathankot district on Friday as part of preparations for the upcoming Punjab Assembly Elections 2027.
B.C. Patra, Principal Secretary (Inspection), appointed by the Election Commission of India, visited Pathankot to review the ongoing inspection process at the EVM-VVPAT warehouse.
During his visit, he conducted a detailed assessment of the checking arrangements and held a meeting with representatives, district presidents and secretaries of various recognised political parties.
Patra briefed the representatives on the complete procedure of first-level checking and explained that the primary objective was to ensure the proper functioning, technical accuracy and reliability of EVMs and VVPAT machines to be used in the upcoming elections.
He said the entire checking process was being conducted in accordance with the strict guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, ensuring complete transparency at every stage.
Patra also assured political party representatives that their active participation and monitoring would be ensured throughout the process. He invited them to raise any questions or concerns regarding the machines or the checking procedure, assuring them that all necessary information and satisfactory answers would be provided.
Representatives of all recognised political parties were also given an opportunity to closely observe the machine-checking process.
ASO Satish Kumar accompanied Patra during the inspection. Senior district administration officials, the Election Tehsildar, EVM-VVPAT nodal officers and other officials and employees of the Election Department were also present on the occasion.
