24 August,2026 10:17 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondent
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. File Pic
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday said India's electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and have no internet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, amid continued discussions over the reliability of the voting system.
During his two-day visit to Lucknow, Kumar interacted with students at the historic Colvin Taluqdars' College, where he spoke about India's democratic system, the electoral process, EVMs and the role of young voters, according to an official statement.
Responding to questions from students about EVMs, Kumar stressed that the machines used in Indian elections are not connected to the internet or any wireless technology, reported PTI.
While responding to questions about EVMs, Kumar emphasised that the machines used in India are manufactured by public sector companies and are not connected to the internet or any wireless technology.
He also advised students to verify the source and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it, particularly in the current social media landscape.
"Before accepting any information, it is essential to check its source and verify its authenticity," Kumar said, as reported by PTI.
Reflecting on his own student days in 1979, Kumar shared fond memories of his teachers and school, highlighting their role in shaping his journey.
Recalling the period when he was preparing to move to the United States, Kumar said his mother's wishes and his attachment to his motherland motivated him to stay in India and pursue public service.
He subsequently cleared the Civil Services Examination and began his administrative career in the Kerala cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
His career in public service eventually led him to the position of Chief Election Commissioner of the world's largest democracy.
Highlighting the scale of India's electoral exercise, Kumar said the country has around 100 crore voters and that conducting elections for such a vast electorate is itself a massive task.
He said a large number of officials and employees work to ensure that the electoral process runs smoothly.
Kumar encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic process and referred to Article 326 of the Constitution while urging students who have attained the age of 18 to register as voters.
The Election Commission provides voter registration facilities through its digital platforms, he said, the news agency reported.
Kumar also urged young people not only to register as voters themselves but also to encourage their family members and peers to participate in elections.
"Young people are the most important force behind the democratic future of the country. If they participate in the electoral process with awareness, democracy will become stronger," he said.
Later, speaking at another programme, Kumar said elections in India are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, laws and guidelines.
"As you are all aware, elections in India are conducted as per the Constitution, laws, and guidelines ('nirdesho'). When the electoral roll is prepared in India, its concurrent audit is carried out by the booth-level agents of all political parties. Similarly, during polling, a concurrent audit is conducted by the candidates' polling agents; and likewise, during the counting process, a concurrent audit is performed by the candidates' counting agents," Kumar said, reported PTI.
Kumar said the Election Commission had undertaken a concerted and proactive effort to strengthen the Electoral Literacy Club (ELC), an initiative that has been part of the commission's work for a long time.
"Interaction with principals, teachers, and students from 20 districts gives the assurance that our students possess a comprehensive knowledge of the electoral process and take pride in its transparency as well as their own participation in it," he said.
(With PTI inputs)
