One 10 ml vial of election ink is used for 700 voters.
How special the blue ink used to seal votes in elections is can be gauged from the fact that more than 35 countries of the world are purchasing it from India. The right to make it is with the only company in India, Mysore Paint and Varnish. The secret formula for making it has not been revealed till date, but one thing is certain that silver nitrate is used in its preparation.
In order to prevent vote tampering in the initial round of elections after independence, a plan was made to make a mark on the finger by which the voter who had cast his vote could be identified. The Election Commission requested the National Physical Laboratory of India (NPL) to find a solution. The National Physical Laboratory of India created such an ink which was difficult to erase. The order to make this indelible ink was given to Mysore Paint and Varnish Company of Karnataka. Since 1962, this company has been manufacturing ink under the Government of Karnataka and it is being supplied to dozens of countries.
How many countries are buying Indian election ink?
In the CNBC report, the company’s managing director K. Irfan says, election ink is being exported to many countries. These include Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, Cambodia, South Africa and Maldives. In India, there is a trend of applying it on the finger, but other countries use it in their own way.
Election ink of Karnataka in India Mysore Paint and Varnish Company manufactures. Photo: Getty Images
In Cambodia and Maldives the voter’s finger is dipped in ink. However, in some countries it is applied with a brush. In Türkiye it is used with the help of nozzles. This ink is supplied in vials. One 10 ml vial of electoral ink is used for 700 voters. About 1500 voters vote at a polling station.
Why is there demand for Indian election ink abroad?
There are many reasons behind why Indian indelible ink is in demand in more than 35 countries of the world.
1- Ban on fake voting: Indian ink is considered reliable. Once the ink is applied, it does not get removed easily for 15 to 20 days. This quality works to increase the reliability of Indian blue ink. In this way it prevents fake voting. The election process remains transparent and fair. In some countries it is also known as Anti-Fraud Election Inc.
Indian election ink lasts for 15 to 20 days, this quality seals its reliability. Photo: Getty Images
2- Special Chemical Formula: Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited manufactures it and this company is under the Government of India. Silver nitrate is mainly used in this. Apart from this, other chemicals are also used, but they have been kept confidential.
3- Durable and safe: The formula of Indian indelible ink is such that it remains effective in any season. Be it summer, winter or rain. As soon as it reaches the upper layer of the skin, it shows such an effect that it is difficult to wash or remove it. This is the reason why it is considered reliable and safe.
4- Affordable and reliable: The cheapness of Indian ink is also a reason for its demand. Many developing countries trust Indian ink because it is not only of high quality but also cheap. This was never questioned nor became a bone of contention.
5- Trust in election system:India is the world’s largest democracy, where crores of votes are cast. It is being used in India for decades and that too without any controversy. Dozens of countries in the world have expressed their confidence in this quality of ink. This is the reason why many countries import it.
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