New Delhi

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out a large-scale awareness campaign on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units across poll-bound Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

In a press note, the Commission said the initiative aims to familiarise voters with the functioning of EVMs and VVPAT systems and to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

According to the ECI, more than 1.20 lakh electors have participated in EVM demonstration camps organised at EVM Demonstration Centres (EDCs) across the five states and the Union Territory. Of these, over 1.16 lakh voters cast mock votes during the demonstrations. Additionally, Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs) have covered more than 29,000 polling station locations as of February 10.

The campaign is being conducted in a structured and time-bound manner through stationary EVM Demonstration Centres and mobile outreach units. EDCs have been set up at District Election Officer headquarters as well as at the offices of Returning Officers and Revenue Sub-Divisional Officers.

“The EVM/VVPAT awareness campaign is aimed at enhancing voter confidence by offering hands-on experience with the machines, addressing doubts regarding their functioning, and ensuring transparency in the electoral process. Through physical centres and mobile outreach, we are reaching voters in both urban and rural areas,” the Commission said.

The poll body added that it remains committed to conducting free and transparent elections and will continue to expand voter awareness efforts in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Tuesday announced a revised schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following a Supreme Court directive.

As per the revised timeline, hearings on notices will conclude by February 14, while scrutiny of documents and disposal of claims will be completed by February 21. Rationalisation of polling stations is scheduled to be finalised by February 25, and health parameter checks by February 27. The final electoral roll is set to be published on February 28.

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The revised schedule follows a Supreme Court order granting a one-week extension for the publication of the final electoral roll under the SIR exercise in the state.