31-Mar-2022: Allocation of Budget For EVMs
The Government has allocated Rs.1000 Crores in the financial year 2021-22 in connection with procurement of EVMs & VVPATs.
The procedure followed for the purchase of EVMs and VVPATs is as under:
- Based on the estimated number of polling stations for oncoming elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) determines the number of additional machines, (EVMs/VVPATs) if needed over and above its existing inventory.
- The ECI then requests the Government for in-principle approval and necessary budget for the required number of machines along with tentative costs.
- On receipt of the proposal for in principal approval from the ECI, the Legislative Department places the matter before the Government as per the Delegation of the Financial Powers Rules, 1978, if required, to the Cabinet and on approval, convey the same to the ECI.
- Upon receipt of the in principle approval from the Government, the necessary work order for said procurement is placed by the ECI on the PSU-manufactures, viz. M/s. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and M/s Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) for supply of machines.
- Based on the allocation of funds the payments are made by the ECI to the PSUs, subject to the finalisation of the cost by the Price Negotiation Committee (PNC). PNC consists of AS/JS& FA (Law) one member each from the Legislative Department, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance and the ECI.
- Subsequently, based on the manufacturing plan and production, the machines are allocated by the ECI to various states/districts for timely deployment and use.
As per the Government of India(Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961,the Election Commission of India falls under the ambit of the Legislative Department, hence, it is allocated to the Legislative Department.