J&K Chief Electoral Officer Conducts Vital EVM and VVPAT Warehouse Audit in Samba for Enhanced Transparency
SAMBA, December 26, 2025: In a move to ensure the highest standards of electoral integrity and technical readiness, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu & Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma, conducted a mandatory quarterly inspection of the EVM and VVPAT warehouse at the District Administrative Complex in Samba today.
Joined by Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, and Nodal Officer for EVM, J&K, Sandesh Kumar Gupta, the inspection served as a critical check on the storage and security protocols of the district’s voting infrastructure. The presence of representatives from recognized political parties during the process underscored the administration’s commitment to total transparency and accountability in the management of Electronic Voting Machines.
During the joint audit, officials performed an exhaustive review of the warehouse’s multi-tier security arrangements. This included the physical verification of EVM and VVPAT storage boxes, an assessment of the machines’ physical condition, and a rigorous check of the sealing procedures for the warehouse doors.
The CEO and his team scrutinized the access control logs and record maintenance systems to ensure that every ECI guideline was being followed to the letter. This routine but essential exercise is designed to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the technical health of the voting equipment between election cycles.The quarterly inspection is a cornerstone of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) oversight strategy, aimed at building public trust through visibility.
By involving political stakeholders in the opening and closing of the warehouse, the Samba district election office demonstrated strict adherence to electoral norms. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjeev Verma expressed satisfaction with the current logistical arrangements, emphasizing that such regular checks are fundamental to ensuring that the democratic machinery remains secure, functional, and beyond reproach.