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EC technology to check poll malpractices

Special Correspondent

PATNA: Technology may play a big role in ensuring free and fair elections to the Bihar Assembly. The Election Commissionis embarking on a drive to contain the use of black money and terror tactics in the elections with the help of technology.

The State Government plans to install X-ray scanners at the Jai Prakash Narain Airport in Patna and at about half a dozen railway stations across the State ahead of the first phase of polling on October 18 to thwart the inflow of illegal money. Officials will be trained to handle the scanners and check passengers at the airport and the railway stations, including the Patna Junction.

The Government would spend about Rs. 32 lakhs for purchasing the equipment, which would be put in place within a fortnight.

At the EC's directive, the Government is planning to get satellite images to keep tabs on trouble-shooters at all polling booths in the State. The Government had hoped that the Satellite Imagery System in Hyderabad would help but the agency expressed its inability to provide a minute-by-minute account. It was willing to provide the images only after a couple of days. Officials are now in touch with ISRO.

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