(a) whether electronic voting machines were used in all the polling stations in State Assembly elections during May, 2001;
(b) if so, whether use of these machines was successful;
(c) if so, whether the use of electronic voting machines is likely to be compulsory in all future elections of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF LAW, JUSTICE & COMPANY AFFAIRS AND SHIPPING (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a) The electronic voting machines were used in the polling stations in all the Assembly Constituencies in the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Union territory of Pondicherry in the polls held on 10th May, 2001 in the general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of these States/ Union territory. The electronic voting machines were used in four Assembly Constituencies viz. 51-Jalukbari, 52-Dispur, 53-Gauhati (East) and 54-Gauhati (West) in the State of Assam.
(b) According to the Election Commission of India, the use of electronic voting machines in the elections held in May, 2001, was successful.
(c) to (e) According to the Election Commission of India, the question of use of electronic voting machines in future Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections will be considered by it at the appropriate time taking into account all aspects of the matter.