In which state constituency, the Electronic Voting Machine was first used in India? 

The correct answer is Kerala.

Key Points

• The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) was first used in India in the year 1982.
• It was introduced for the first time in the by-election to the Paravur Assembly Constituency in Kerala.
• The initiative was taken to ensure transparency and efficiency in the electoral process in India.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) experimented with EVMs to replace paper ballots and reduce instances of electoral malpractices.
• The use of EVMs in Paravur was a significant milestone in India's electoral history, marking the beginning of technological integration in voting.

Additional Information

• Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
  • An EVM is an electronic device used for recording votes during elections, replacing traditional paper ballots.
  • It consists of two units: a Control Unit kept with the polling officer and a Balloting Unit used by voters.
  • It ensures faster counting of votes and minimizes chances of errors or manipulation.
  • EVMs are designed to be tamper-proof and are extensively tested before deployment in elections.
• Election Commission of India (ECI)
  • The ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India.
  • It was established on 25th January 1950 under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
  • The ECI oversees elections for the Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice President of India.
• History of EVMs in India
  • EVMs were developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).
  • After the trial in Kerala in 1982, EVMs were officially introduced in all elections in 2004.
  • India became one of the first countries globally to conduct elections exclusively using EVMs.
• Advantages of EVMs
  • EVMs eliminate the need for printing and transporting millions of ballot papers, saving costs.
  • They reduce the time taken for vote counting, ensuring faster declaration of results.
  • The machines are environment-friendly and reduce the use of paper significantly.
  • EVMs are designed to avoid invalid votes, ensuring accuracy in the electoral process.