SEC withheld EVM details, alleges Cong
New Delhi: The
Delhi Congress
on Saturday alleged that the
state election commission
(SEC) refused to share the serial number, make, and the name of the manufacturing company of the
electronic voting machines
that will be used in the bypolls in 12 municipal wards in the capital.The SEC, however, refuted the charge and said all necessary information was provided to the delegation of the political party.The Delhi Congress, in a statement, said its delegation went to the SEC for a first-level check of the EVMs, which will be used in the bypolls.
The party said that it wrote a letter to the election panel on May 5 and then again on May 9 to seek the information, but it was not provided."The delegation participated in the FLC today, but under protest," the party said.An SEC official, however, said the make of the EVM and the name of the company were informed to the party as soon as a letter was received from it. "The serial numbers of those EVMs are provided, which are finally selected to be used in the election. It was only the first-level check today," the official said. tnn
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Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
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India Today
11 hours ago
- India Today
Crypto is making a comeback in 2025, there are 5 factors fuelling its resurgence
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After its initial trials in 2022, the digital currency hasn't gone mainstream till now, though pilot programs have seen increased activity and exploration of use cases beyond simple transactions. For now, Indian investors and builders operate in a space that is legal but lacks the clear, supportive frameworks seen elsewhere. As India watches the global comeback, particularly the institutional validation, the question remains: should the government choose to soften its tax policies and provide a clearer rulebook? Disclaimer: Crypto investments are highly volatile and speculative. This editorial is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. We don't endorse specific investments and aren't responsible for any losses you might incur. Always do your own research and consult a financial Watch
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Delay in Panchayat polls blocking devp funds: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference
All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), an apex body of sarpanches and panches on Monday expressed concern over the prolonged delay in holding panchayat polls in the union territory, while pointing out that more than a year has passed since the dissolution of panchayats on January 9, 2024. In an appeal to the UT administration, AJKPC president Anil Sharma, during a press conference, called for an immediate action to restore grassroots democracy and unlock developmental funds meant for rural areas. Sharma said that failure to conduct elections within one year of dissolution has resulted in blockage of funds meant for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These funds, he stressed, are vital for the execution of key development projects across rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. 'We had hoped that once assembly elections were conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, the panchayat polls would follow. Unfortunately, that has not happened,' the leader said. He regretted that rural development has been severely impacted due to the absence of elected panchayat bodies. Projects related to roads, electricity, drinking water supply, and ration distribution have reportedly slowed down or come to a complete halt in many areas. He also reminded the government of its longstanding demand for the establishment of a state election commission (SEC) that is independent of political influence and capable of conducting elections on time. 'We fought for the establishment of a SEC so that the people are not dependent on political parties for the conduct of elections. However things are not moving in right directions as elections are getting delayed,' the AJKPC leader said. He has urged the administration to not delay further, and to set a clear timeline for both panchayat and block development council (BDC) elections. The delay, they warned, is not only a setback to democratic governance, but also a major roadblock to rural development and delivery of essential services. The AJKPC leader has said that the dissolution of Panchayats, and the delay in fresh elections, has left a democratic vacuum at the village level. 'Elections are not a formality—they are a necessity. Without them, rural governance is paralysed, and the common man suffers,' he said.
