Why in the News?
During municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, Opposition parties alleged that the indelible ink mark on voters’ fingers was easily removable, raising concerns over possible electoral malpractice. The issue gained traction after videos showed ink marks fading when marker pens were used.
What is Indelible Ink
- Applied on a voter’s finger after casting the vote
- Ensures one person votes only once
- Designed to remain visible for several days
- Removal is possible only as the outer skin layer sheds
When did India start using it
- Introduced in 1962
- Used for the first time in India’s third General Election
- Decision taken by Election Commission of India
- Has been in continuous use since then
Who Manufactures the Ink
- Manufactured exclusively by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited
- Karnataka government undertaking
- Supplies ink under contract with
- Election Commission of India
- Union Ministry of Law and Justice
Note: Exported to countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Kenya, Mongolia, Nepal and Nigeria.
Prelims Pointers
- Indelible ink introduced in 1962
- Key chemical silver nitrate
- Developed by National Physical Laboratory
- Manufactured by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited
- Ink visibility on nail can last up to four weeks
- Marker pens allowed in local body elections since 2011
| [2017] Consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only |
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