One Nation, One Election: Simultaneous polls in 2029 may need ₹5,300 crore, over 1 crore EVM units
The poll panel is currently readying to reply to the several queries posed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the One Nation, One Election Bill.
A key question raised in the JPC queries is centred on expenditure involved in simultaneous elections and whether it can help cut costs. Much of the response is set to be centred on the EVM-VVPAT combine.
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The machines
The ECI currently has over 30 lakh BUs, 22 lakh CUs (BU and CU together make the EVM) and nearly 24 lakh VVPATs and several of the 2013-14 vintage machines will have to retire by 2029. This would mean a shortfall of nearly 20 lakh BUs, 13.6 lakh CUs and 10 lakh plus VVPATs for a 2029 simultaneous election requirement.
There are three key factors involved in the EVM-VVPAT requirement. The first is related to the number of polling stations, estimated to increase by 15% from 2024 LS elections, a general formula used by ECI for EVM requirement estimation.
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As per this estimate, against the 10.53 lakh polling stations that were put in place for 2024 LS polls, a 15% increase would imply over 12.1 lakh polling stations in 2029.
In addition, typically two sets of EVMs are needed per polling station. That apart, nearly 70% BUs, 25% CUs and 35% VVPATs are kept as reserve in case of any defect arising at the stage of First Level Checking.
While the current availability is at over 30 lakh BUs, 22 lakh CUs and 23 lakh VVPATs, nearly 3.5 lakh BUs and 1.25 lakh CUs are expected to complete their 15-year life span creating a shortfall.
Supply chain to support system
The second major factor is supply side concerns. The poll panel would tread with extra caution on the voting machine ramp up as it faced a serious situation ahead of 2024 LS polls when the semiconductor supply lag considerably impacted EVM-VVPAT machine manufacturing pace at India's two PSUs, despite the poll panel having placed orders well in advance.
Given the experience, the ECI would prefer to place orders and ready its inventory well in advance for a 2029 scenario. It also has to keep in mind the need, if it arises, for technological upgradation of EVMs which are now in the M3 version.
The third key concern will be logistical challenges in terms of building a whole ecosystem for a simultaneous poll scenario. The ECI has already identified the need to increase the number of secure warehouses to store the EVM-VVPATs. States like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim do not have their own warehouses which would create a logistical challenge.
There is also the pressing question of readying and training personnel for conduct of the simultaneous poll, bringing in the manufacturer's trained engineers for the First Level Check - an exercise that starts six months ahead of Lok Sabha polls and four months in advance for state assemblies.
Similarly, manning of so many warehouses apart from securing 12 lakh plus polling stations would also be a manpower challenge.
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