(a) whether the Election Commission has taken a decision to get the polling done through electronic voting machines and to make the use of identity cards mandatory;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Election Commission has completed the work of issuing identity card to every eligible citizen of the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF LAW, JUSTICE & COMPANY AFFAIRS AND SHIPPING (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a)&(b) The Election Commission has informed that it has decided to use the Electronic Voting Machines as widely as possible. The use of these machines would, however, depend upon the local conditions and availability of stock. The question of making use of these machines compulsory at elections, therefore, does not arise at the present moment. So far as the question of making the use of photo identity cards mandatory for voters at elections is concerned, it may be stated that it is not possible to take such a measure in view of the fact that only 63.39% of voters have so far been issued these cards taking on all India average. In some States/Union territories, more than 70% voters have been issued photo identity cards.
(c)&(d) The registration of electors and the scheme of issuing photo identity cards to electors are continuous and ongoing processes. It is, therefore, not possible to cover all the electors under the scheme at any given point of time. A statement containing status report on progress of the scheme is laid on the Table of the House.