IIT Guwahati develops innovative 3D printed dummy ballot unit to enhance voter awareness

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati partners with the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation Cell (SVEEP) of Kamrup Election District to develop an innovative 3D-printed dummy ballot unit. The initiative aims to educate voters, particularly new voters and senior citizens, about the voting process and address any anxieties they may have.

The dummy ballot unit, unveiled on April 22, 2024, at IIT Guwahati campus, utilises cutting-edge 3D printing technology, fabricated from PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable and eco-friendly material derived from corn starch. In a remarkable feat, researchers at IIT Guwahati designed and manufactured the device within just 48 hours, incorporating interactive features such as sound and light as output indicators to assist users during the voting process.

Expressing appreciation for IIT Guwahati's initiative, deputy commissioner of Kamrup, Guwahati, Keerthi Jalli, said, “We commend IIT Guwahati for their collaboration and swift design and manufacturing of this highly practical tool. It is certain to aid individuals in gaining familiarity with the voting process, thereby bolstering their confidence, and encouraging greater participation in democratic practices.”

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Dignitaries attend dummy ballot inauguration

The dummy ballot unit inauguration saw the presence of dignitaries, including Keerthi Jalli, district commissioner of Kamrup, Guwahati, Assam; Susanta Kumar Dutta, additional district commissioner, Kamrup; Susanta Kumar Dutta, district development commissioner; Kamal Baruah, north Guwahati circle officer; Mithinga Daimari, boko circle officer (A); Soma Roy, assisting officer, SVEEP cell; Parameswar K Iyer, dean PRBR; and Ajeet Kumar, assistant professor from IIT Guwahati.

Appreciating the initiatives, the director of IIT Guwahati, Rajeev Ahuja, said, “This project focuses on developing an educational electronic voting machine to familiarise users with the democratic process of our nation. By simulating real voting scenarios, we aim to enhance understanding and engagement with electoral systems prevailing presently and will replicate the voting process.”