Assam: IIT Guwahati develops 3D-printed dummy ballot unit

Guwahati: In a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing voter awareness and engagement, the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation Cell (SVEEP) of Assam’s Kamrup district has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) to develop an innovative 3D printed dummy ballot unit.

The dummy ballot unit was unveiled on Monday (April 22) at the IIT Guwahati campus. Crafted to acquaint citizens, particularly new voters and senior citizens, with the intricacies of voting procedures, the 3D-printed dummy ballot unit aims to dispel any apprehensions, anxiety, or uncertainties associated with the voting process. By offering a hands-on experience, the dummy ballot unit endeavours to foster maximum voter participation.

Expressing appreciation for the IITG’s pioneering initiative, Kamrup District Commissioner (DC) Keerthi Jalli said, “We commend the IITG 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.”

Utilising cutting-edge 3D printing technology, the dummy ballot unit is fabricated from Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable and eco-friendly material derived from corn starch. In a remarkable feat, researchers at the IIT Guwahati designed and manufactured the device within 48 hours, incorporating interactive features such as sound and light as output indicators to assist users during the voting process.

This initiative marks the first-of-its-kind endeavour in India by the IIT Guwahati team to develop a 3D-printed dummy ballot unit. PLA ensures that the dummy ballot unit is environmentally sustainable and reusable, contributing to sustainable practices in voter education initiatives.

Reflecting on the significance of the developed ballot unit, Assistant Professor at IITG Ajeet Kumar said, “With its interactive features and biodegradable material, this innovative tool will serve as a valuable resource in educating citizens about the voting process. Our team at IIT Guwahati takes pride in having designed a solution that will empower people to participate in democracy with confidence.”

Appreciating the initiative of IIT Guwahati’s collaboration with Kamrup district, Director of IIT Guwahati Prof 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.”

SVEEP, an umbrella programme initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is dedicated to educating voters about the electoral process. The collaboration between the SVEEP cell of Kamrup district and IIT Guwahati represents a notable milestone in voter education endeavours.