RTI Reveals ECIL and BEL Refuse to Disclose EVM Component Manufacturers
Activist Venkatesh Nayak filed RTI applications with Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) seeking details of manufacturers and suppliers of components used in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs). Both PSUs refused to disclose the information, citing "commercial confidence".
Nayak also requested copies of purchase orders for the components. ECIL claimed the information was "voluminous" and would disproportionately divert resources. Additionally, they stated that disclosing design details could pose a danger to the machines. BEL provided a similar response, claiming the information was commercially confidential and would harm their competitive position.
Nayak expressed concern over the secrecy surrounding EVM components. He argued that the electorate has a right to know about the machines used in elections, especially considering the potential impact on the democratic process. He also questioned why the PSUs would not manufacture all components internally if they were truly confident in the security of the machines.
The refusal to disclose information raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The secrecy surrounding EVM components makes it difficult for the public to verify the machines' reliability and security. This lack of transparency can undermine public trust in the electoral system.