States Receive Indelible Ink for Lok Sabha Polls; UP Tops Supply List

New Delhi: Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd has completed the supply of over 26.55 lakh vials of indelible ink, valued at approximately Rs 55 crore, to various states and union territories for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With Uttar Pradesh receiving the largest share, this Karnataka government undertaking has been the exclusive manufacturer of this ink for the Election Commission since 1962.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to commence on April 19, with vote counting slated for June 4. Simultaneously, Assembly elections will be held in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

This year’s supply surpasses the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by 2.2%, with Uttar Pradesh alone receiving 3.58 lakh vials, reflecting the significant demand for the ink. Conversely, Lakshadweep, with the lowest demand, received 110 vials.

Each 10 ml vial of ink can mark approximately 700 individuals, making it essential for the voting process to prevent multiple voting instances. Notably, India’s vast voter base of nearly 97 crore, as per the Election Commission’s January data, signifies the importance of this ink in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Besides domestic demand, Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd exports the indelible ink to more than 25 countries worldwide. These include Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa, and the Maldives, among others. To meet varied application methods in different countries, the company tailors its ink according to customer specifications.

With preparations underway for setting up over 12 lakh polling stations across the nation, the role of indelible ink remains pivotal in ensuring fair and transparent elections.