Q. Consider the following Election Reforms in India and arrange them in correct chronological order starting from earliest to the last.
1. Voters photo identity card
2. Electronic voting machine
3. Voter verifiable paper audit trail
4. NOTA
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
a) 2, 1, 3, 4
b) 1, 2, 4, 3
c) 1, 2, 3, 4
d) 2, 1, 4, 3
Correct Answer: a) 2, 1, 3, 4
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
– Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) came first: piloted in 1982 (Paravur, Kerala), later given statutory backing and rolled out widely (nationwide by 2004).
– Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC) was launched by the Election Commission in 1993 under T. N. Seshan.
– Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was introduced/piloted on 4 September 2013 (Noksen bypoll, Nagaland) and later mandated for wider rollout (SC judgment in Oct 2013), reaching nationwide usage by 2019.
– NOTA was introduced pursuant to the Supreme Court judgment (PUCL v. Union of India) on 27 September 2013 and first used in assembly elections later in 2013.
Therefore, the correct chronological order is: 2 (EVM), 1 (Photo ID), 3 (VVPAT), 4 (NOTA).
