When was the option of NOTA introduced as part of the Indian voting system?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 2013.

• The option of NOTA (None of the Above) was introduced in the Indian voting system in 2013 following a Supreme Court judgment in the case of People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) vs. Union of India.
• The Supreme Court of India directed the Election Commission to include the NOTA option on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to allow voters to reject all candidates contesting an election.
• This was implemented starting from the Assembly Elections in five states (Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi) in November 2013.

Information Booster:

• ​NOTA allows voters to express their disapproval of all candidates while maintaining secrecy.
• However, votes cast for NOTA are not counted for determining the winner; they are recorded but do not affect the outcome of the election.

• Symbol: The NOTA button on EVMs is denoted by a ballot paper symbol with a cross mark.

• It was first introduced in India in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
• The system operates independently and comprises two components: the VVPAT Printer and the VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU), which are connected to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
• This setup enables voters to confirm that their votes have been recorded accurately.
• Once a vote is cast, a slip is generated displaying the serial number, candidate's name, and election symbol.
• This slip is visible to the voter through a transparent window for 7 seconds.

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