Punjab gears up for polls: GPS systems for secure elections

The State Election Commission in Punjab has commenced preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The primary focus is on ensuring the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, which will be used in the elections for the first time.

This time, in the Lok Sabha elections, GPS systems will be installed in 10,000 vehicles. These GPS-equipped vehicles will transport EVMs and VVPAT machines from the strong room to polling centers within the 13 parliamentary constituencies of the state. This measure aims to prevent any tampering, theft, or damage to these machines during the electoral process.

In the event of a route diversion, an immediate alert message will be sent. A control room will be set up for monitoring the 10,000 GPS-enabled vehicles, and a web-based software will be developed to allow real-time monitoring of their movements.

This will ensure that any vehicle transporting EVMs and VVPAT machines to or from the polling centers can be tracked. If a vehicle deviates from its designated route or changes direction, security personnel will be able to respond promptly.

The installation of GPS systems is scheduled for February 22nd, and a specialized IT company, selected through an e-tender process that involved applications from IT software companies nationwide, will finalize the installation. The chosen company must have a minimum of three years of experience in the IT sector and an annual turnover of at least one crore rupees. Applicants must not have any prior cases or be blacklisted.

In consideration of the security of EVMs and VVPAT machines, the Election Commission has issued tenders for a vehicle tracking system as per the guidelines. The process will soon be finalized, and the work will be allotted to the selected company. – Sibin C, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab.