Guwahati
EVMs with VVPAT machines used in the Lok Sabha elections in Assam are being securely stored in about 50 strongrooms across the state, said Chief Election Officer Anurag Goel on Wednesday.
He informed IANS that 30,310 EVMs (ballot units) and 28,650 control units, along with an equal number of VVPATs, are being kept under strict security in these strongrooms. Goel highlighted that CCTV cameras have been installed both inside and outside the strongrooms, with footage being monitored directly by District Election Officers.
Additionally, CCTV cameras are positioned at the entrance and exit gates of the strongroom areas. The State Election Commission has ensured there are no security lapses, implementing a two-tier security system. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) guards the entrance and premises of the strongrooms, while Assam Police personnel are deployed outside.
Polling agents from various candidates are also closely monitoring the strongrooms. Goel clarified that only authorized personnel, including the District Election Officer, Assistant Election Officer, security personnel, and declared agents of political parties, are allowed to enter the strongroom premises. The fate of candidates from Assam’s 14 Lok Sabha constituencies has been sealed in these EVMs, stored securely for several days. The state conducted elections in three phases on April 19, April 26, and May 7.
