NMC begins EVM commissioning ahead of polls, 3004 booths prepped for voting

Nagpur: The NMC has stepped up poll preparations by commencing the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) across all 3,004 polling booths in the city.Engineers deputed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have been deployed to conduct detailed inspections of the machines. The commissioning process involves checking the functionality of each EVM, verifying ballot unit configurations and ensuring that all machines are ready for use as per election norms. Officials said the process has started well in advance to allow sufficient time to address any technical issues that may arise.Alongside EVM commissioning, the NMC has also begun dispatching essential election material to all Returning Officers (ROs). This includes stationery, polling covers, ballot-related material and other supplies required on polling day.Deputy Commissioner Mangesh Khavale, who is also serving as the Strongroom Nodal Officer for the civic polls, told TOI a buffer of machines has been kept ready to deal with contingencies. "About 10% additional EVMs have been provided to every Returning Officer so that in case any machine develops a fault, it can be replaced immediately without affecting the polling process," Khavale said. The official explained 'commissioning' per se refers to configuring the machine according to the different candidates, their electoral symbols and their names. As candidates and symbols are identified for every single ward, this process is more complicated in the NMC polls compared to the Lok Sabha or state assembly elections.He added the configuration of ballot units varies depending on the number of candidates contesting in different prabhags. "In 11 prabhags, two ballot units are being used, while 22 prabhags require three ballot units. In five prabhags, four ballot units are necessary due to a higher number of candidates," Khavale explained.As per Khavale, the entire exercise is expected to be completed by Thursday, allowing adequate time for sealing and storage of the machines thereafter.The Sanskrutik Bachat Bhavan has been designated as the central strongroom for the NMC elections. Once commissioning is completed, the EVMs will be securely stored there under strict security arrangements until they are dispatched to polling stations on the day of voting.