GPS tracking for reserve EVM

Ranchi: The Election Commission of India has laid stress on large scale use of Information Technology during the Lok Sabha polls of 2019 and as part of the initiative the vehicles which would be involved in the transportation of reserve EVMs they would be equipped with GPS facility.

In a training programme organised for nodal officers of the EVM cell of all the districts and computer operators over mobile-based GPS tracking system Chief Electoral Officer L Khiyangate sais that the entire process of receiving a reserve EVM and its dispatch can be monitored through the mobile-based tracking system.

He said that in every district for GPS tracking a control room would set up. He said that to ensure impartial and transparent election these steps have been taken following the directions of the election commission. Those who were present on the occasion also included Additional Chief Electoral Officers Vinay Kumar Choubey and Manish Ranjan.

Through the mobile-based GPS tracking system, the sector officer will get information about the exact location of the vehicle, speed, and battery life of android phone being used. Information related to stoppages made by the vehicle would be also available.
He said that the sector officers have been clearly instructed that during the movement they will not keep their mobiles switched off as through the GPS system the movement of the sector officer and his exact location would also be monitored.

Mr Khiyangate said that after undergoing the hands-on training regarding the mobile-based GPS tracking system on nodal officers and in charge for EVM cell would train the sector officers deployed in their districts. For the Lok Sabha elections of 2019 in the entire state about 4000 sector officers have been appointed.