Indian EVMs have no internet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, says Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday said Indias electronic voting machines EVMs are manufactured by public sector companies and have no internet Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity amid continued discussions over the reliability of the voting systemDuring his twoday visit to Lucknow Kumar interacted with students at the historic Colvin Taluqdars College where he spoke about Indias democratic system the electoral process EVMs and the role of young voters according to an official statementResponding 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 PTICEC explains how EVMs workWhile 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 technologyHe also advised students to verify the source and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it particularly in the current social media landscapeBefore accepting any information it is essential to check its source and verify its authenticity Kumar said as reported by PTIKumar recalls journey into public serviceReflecting on his own student days in 1979 Kumar shared fond memories of his teachers and school highlighting their role in shaping his journeyRecalling the period when he was preparing to move to the United States Kumar said his mothers wishes and his attachment to his motherland motivated him to stay in India and pursue public serviceHe subsequently cleared the Civil Services Examination and began his administrative career in the Kerala cadre of the Indian Administrative Service IASHis career in public service eventually led him to the position of Chief Election Commissioner of the worlds largest democracyIndia has around 100 crore votersHighlighting the scale of Indias electoral exercise Kumar said the country has around 100 crore voters and that conducting elections for such a vast electorate is itself a massive taskHe said a large number of officials and employees work to ensure that the electoral process runs smoothlyKumar 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 votersThe Election Commission provides voter registration facilities through its digital platforms he said the news agency reportedKumar urges youth to participate in electionsKumar also urged young people not only to register as voters themselves but also to encourage their family members and peers to participate in electionsYoung 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 saidCEC highlights multiple checks in electoral processLater speaking at another programme Kumar said elections in India are conducted in accordance with the Constitution laws and guidelinesAs 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 boothlevel 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 PTIFocus on electoral literacyKumar 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 commissions work for a long timeInteraction 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 saidWith PTI inputs