Who manufactures the components of EVM and VVPAT? ECIL and BEL refused to disclose the names.
New Delhi, 24th April 2024: Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have refused to disclose the names of manufacturers of various components of EVM and VVPAT. The companies cited ‘commercial confidence’ as the reason for not providing information under the RTI Act. Activist Venkatesh Nayak had put up a demand asking details of manufacturers and suppliers involved in the assembly of components used in EVM and VVPAT. He had also asked for a copy of the purchase orders for the components. However, ECIL and BEL declined to provide the requested information in response to the RTI.
VVPAT is an independent vote verification system that shows voters whether their vote has been cast correctly or not. Under the Ministry of Defence, public sector ECIL and BEL manufacture the EVM and VVPAT machines for the Election Commission. BEL stated in its response that the requested information is of commercial confidence. Therefore, it cannot be disclosed under Section 8(1)(D) of the RTI Act.
