Question

In which year, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was used for the first time in any election in India?

• A. 2005
• B. 2013
• C. 2019
• D. 2024

Hint:

Remember Nagaland (Noksen) and 2013 as the "birthplace" of VVPAT in India. It was a major step in electoral reform to counter allegations of EVM tampering.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is an independent system attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that allows voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. It serves as an additional layer of transparency in the Indian electoral process.

Step 1: The Purpose of VVPAT.
When a vote is cast, the VVPAT machine prints a slip containing the serial number, name, and symbol of the candidate chosen by the voter. This slip is visible behind a glass window for seven seconds before being automatically cut and falling into a sealed drop box. This allows for a physical audit of the electronic results if needed.

Step 2: The First Trial.
The VVPAT system was first introduced in India during a by-election in the Noksen Assembly Constituency of Nagaland in September 2013. This pilot project was launched following directions from the Supreme Court of India to ensure "free and fair elections" and to bolster voter confidence in EVMs.

Step 3: National Scaling.
After the success in Nagaland, VVPATs were gradually introduced in various assembly elections. The 2019 General Election marked the first time that VVPATs were used in all parliamentary constituencies across the entire country, ensuring 100% paper trail coverage.