95 percent EVMs reach Odisha ahead of 2019 elections

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Aug 15, 2018 at 3:27 PM Updated On : Aug 15, 2018 at 5:42 PM

Bhubaneswar: Around 95 percent electronic voting machines (EVMs) have reached Odisha so far ahead of 2019 general and assembly elections, informed State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar on Tuesday.

The EVMs have been brought from West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

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The remaining EVMs will reach the State within a day or two days, the CEO said.

The EVMs brought from other States have been sent to various districts for necessary verification.

For the first time Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) will be used along with EVMs in the elections next year.

The number of VVPATs required for the 2019 elections will reach the State by first week of September, Kumar said in a press conference.

Total 1,000 master trainers of the State will be provided training for the polls.

As per the directive by Election Commission of India, 18 officers will also be trained. Besides, 490 returning officers and assistant returning officers will also be provided training for the elections.