Kerala Boosts Electoral Transparency with New EVM Tracker
Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala prepares for its crucial local body elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) has introduced a sophisticated system to track the movement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in real-time. In a remarkable story of local innovation, this new EVM tracker was created not by a large corporation, but by two final-year B.Tech students from a local engineering college.
This new solution, named ‘E-Track’, is designed to enhance the security and transparency of the electoral process. The transit of EVMs—from distribution centres to polling booths and back to strongrooms—has often been a subject of security concerns. The E-Track system aims to build public confidence by providing a verifiable, digital chain of custody for every machine.
How a BTech Project Became Kerala‘s Official EVM Tracker
The masterminds behind this groundbreaking technology are Adarsh V. and Nihad K.S., students at the prestigious College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET). What started as a final-year academic project quickly gained the attention of state officials who were searching for a robust and cost-effective way to secure the upcoming local body polls.
The E-Track system operates on a simple yet powerful principle:
* GPS-Enabled Vehicles: Every vehicle transporting EVMs is equipped with a GPS device.
* Live Monitoring: A secure, web-based dashboard allows election officials at district and state levels to monitor the convoy’s live location.
* Instant Alerts: The system sends immediate alerts for any unauthorized stops or deviations from the planned route.
This real-time oversight ensures that every EVM is accounted for throughout its journey, effectively minimizing opportunities for tampering and building trust in the election’s logistical framework.
Strengthening Electoral Integrity Ahead of Polls
The implementation of this student-created EVM tracker is more than a logistical upgrade; it is a significant step towards strengthening democracy. By embracing homegrown technology from its youth, the Kerala SEC is sending a powerful message about its commitment to free and fair elections.
A senior SEC official praised the initiative, stating, “This is not just about tracking; it’s about building public confidence. When we can assure every citizen that the EVMs are secure from the start of the process to the end, we strengthen the very foundation of our democracy.”
The success of Adarsh and Nihad serves as a powerful testament to the talent within India’s engineering colleges. It highlights how young innovators can contribute directly to solving complex governance challenges. As voters in Kerala head to the polls, the silent, digital oversight of the E-Track EVM tracker provides an added layer of assurance, ensuring the integrity of the process long before the first vote is counted.
