GUWAHATI: In a bid to enhance voter awareness and engagement, the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) cell of Kamrup Election District has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to develop an innovative 3D-printed dummy ballot unit. The unit has been designed to help voters, especially new voters and senior citizens, to familiarise themselves with the voting process. It was unveiled on April 22, 2024, at the IIT Guwahati campus.
Crafted with the goal of reducing voter apprehension and encouraging greater participation in democratic processes, the 3D-printed dummy ballot unit provides a hands-on experience with a real voting scenario. It is designed to mimic the actual voting procedure, allowing users to familiarise themselves with the process.
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Kamrup district commissioner Keerthi Jalli praised IIT Guwahati's innovative approach, saying, "We commend IIT Guwahati for their collaboration and swift design and manufacturing of this highly practical tool. This will help individuals gain familiarity with the voting process and encourage greater participation in democratic practices."
The dummy ballot unit is fabricated using advanced 3D-printing technology and is made from polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and eco-friendly material derived from corn starch. Researchers at IIT Guwahati designed and manufactured the device within just 48 hours, incorporating interactive features like sound and light indicators to guide users through the voting process. This initiative is the first-of-its-kind in India to develop a 3D-printed dummy ballot unit, with a focus on sustainability and reusability.
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SVEEP, a programme initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is focused on educating voters about the electoral process. The collaboration between Kamrup's SVEEP cell and IIT Guwahati represents a step towards improved voter education and engagement in India.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Guwahati, highlighted the broader impact of the project, stating, "This project focuses on developing an educational electronic voting machine to familiarise users with the democratic process. By simulating real voting scenarios, we aim to enhance understanding and engagement with electoral systems, contributing to the success of democratic processes in India."
