Question : Replacement of EVMs

(a) whether the Government has decided to replace all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) purchased before 2006 with advance M3 machines;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the same;
(c) the main features of the advance M3 machines;
(d) the details of the expenditure likely to be incurred on the procurement of said machines;
(e) the time by which it is likely to be introduced; and
(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that these machines do not adversely affect the booth management system?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)

(a) and (b): The Election Commission has informed that as the life of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has been estimated at 15 years, the Commission has decided to replace 9,30,430 EVMs purchased before 2006 with advance M3 machines in a phased manner before the next General Election to Lok Sabha and simultaneous election in some States due in 2019.

(c): The main features of the new M3 Machines are as under:-

(i) Public Key Interface (PKI) based mutual authentication between various EVM units for identifying a genuine unit, of authorized manufacturer, in the field. This ensures that only genuine EVMs can communicate with each other.
(ii) Design ensures that the EVMs become inoperable the moment an attempt in made to physically open the EVMs.
(iii) Self diagnostics for automatic authentication of genuineness of the EVMs as well as health evaluation of units.

(d) and (e): As per the Election Commission, approximately Rs. 1940 crore (excluding taxes, duties and freight charges etc.) will be required for procurement of the said machines. It is likely to be introduced by the end of 2018.

(f): The M3 Machines are technologically advanced EVMs. However, there is no operational difference between M3 EVMs and other EVMs manufactured earlier. Hence, it does not affect the booth management system.