In which of the following states the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used for the first time in India?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) Kerala

• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used for the first time in India in 1982 in Kerala.

• This trial occurred during the by-election in the Parur Assembly Constituency.

• Though the use was later stayed by the Supreme Court, this event marks the first practical use of EVMs in the country.

• The case led to legal changes allowing EVM usage by amending the Representation of the People Act, 1951 in 1989.

• The full-scale adoption of EVMs started only after 1998, and they became universal by the 2004 General Elections.

• First EVM trial: 1982, Parur, Kerala.

• EVMs were manufactured by BEL and ECIL.

• Legal backing was provided in 1989 through amendments.

• First General Election use: 1998, selected constituencies.

• EVMs became universal across India in 2004 Lok Sabha polls.

• VVPATs were introduced in 2013 to increase transparency.