Maharashtra Election Commission Prepares EVMs for Local Body Polls
The Maharashtra Election Commission is conducting preliminary checks on electronic voting machines (EVMs) to ensure a smooth local body election process. Additional EVMs are being sourced to address a significant shortage.
EvmLocal Body PollsMaharashtra Election CommissionEcilBelReal Estate MaharashtraAug 17, 2025
According to officials, these initial checks are focused on testing and calibrating the machines, but they do not include sealing the EVMs. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare informed the media that Maharashtra currently has 65,000 EVMs, which is insufficient to cover the 29 municipal corporations, 290 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, 32 zilla parishads, and 336 panchayat samitis.
To address the shortfall, Waghmare stated that the MEC has sought additional machines from the Madhya Pradesh State Election Authorities and the Chief Electoral Office of the state. Madhya Pradesh has provided about 25,000 control units (CUs) and 75,000 ballot units (BUs), with half of these units already sent to ECIL for the first-level checks. The Chief Electoral Office of Maharashtra has also assured the provision of 20,000 CUs and BUs, which will undergo checks at BEL's facility in Pune.
The MEC has placed an additional order for 50,000 CUs and 1 lakh BUs to ensure there is no shortage of EVMs for the elections. Once all consignments are cleared, Maharashtra will have around 1.5 lakh CUs and 2 lakh BUs ready for the polls. This proactive approach by the MEC aims to ensure a smooth and efficient election process, enhancing voter confidence and electoral integrity.
The process of EVM checks and calibration is crucial to maintaining the reliability and accuracy of the voting system. The MEC is working closely with ECIL and BEL to ensure that all EVMs are in optimal condition. The additional EVMs from Madhya Pradesh and the state's Chief Electoral Office will play a significant role in covering the vast electoral landscape of Maharashtra, which includes urban and rural areas.
The MEC is also taking steps to train polling staff and educate voters on the use of EVMs to ensure a seamless voting experience. The commission's efforts to address the EVM shortage and conduct thorough checks are part of a broader strategy to enhance the transparency and fairness of the local body elections in Maharashtra.
Overall, the MEC's meticulous preparation and collaboration with various stakeholders reflect a commitment to conducting free and fair elections. The preliminary checks of EVMs are a critical step in this process, ensuring that every vote counts and that the electoral process is robust and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current number of EVMs in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra currently has 65,000 EVMs, which are insufficient to cover all local body elections.
Where are the EVMs being checked and calibrated?
The EVMs are being checked and calibrated at the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) in Hyderabad and the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Pune.
How many additional EVMs are being sourced from Madhya Pradesh?
Madhya Pradesh has provided about 25,000 control units (CUs) and 75,000 ballot units (BUs) to Maharashtra.
What is the total number of EVMs expected to be available for the polls?
Once all consignments are cleared, Maharashtra will have around 1.5 lakh control units (CUs) and 2 lakh ballot units (BUs) ready for the polls.
What is the role of the State Election Commission in this process?
The State Election Commission is responsible for ensuring the availability and proper functioning of EVMs, conducting preliminary checks, and coordinating with other authorities to address any shortages.
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