Who Makes India's Election Ink, and Why Is It on Your Left Finger?
After you vote, you walk out with a mark on your finger and a selfie on your phone.But have you ever wondered who makes that ink, and why it always goes on the left forefinger?
Why the Left Forefinger?
It is a rule. Under Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of a voter must be marked with indelible ink at the polling station before the voter is allowed to vote.The purpose is simple: once your finger is marked, everyone can see that you have already voted. It helps prevent anyone from voting twice.
Who Developed the Ink?
India once imported this kind of ink. According to CSIR, the challenge of developing it in India was given to the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), which developed it. CSIR-NPL still carries out quality checks of the ink for the Election Commission.Who Makes It?
The technology was licensed to Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, a Karnataka Government undertaking. The company says its ink has supported democratic elections since 1962.And the company itself has a royal history. It was set up in 1937 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the then Maharaja of Mysore, as Mysore Lac and Paint Works.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Finger marked | Left forefinger |
| Rule | Rule 49K, Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 |
| Developed by | CSIR-National Physical Laboratory |
| Manufactured by | Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, Karnataka |
| Used since | 1962 (as per the manufacturer) |
Test Yourself
1. Which company manufactures India's election ink?(A) Asian Paints (B) Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (C) Bharat Electronics Limited (D) Hindustan Paints
2. On which finger is election ink normally applied?
(A) Right thumb (B) Right forefinger (C) Left forefinger (D) Left thumb
Answers:
1. (B) Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited.
2. (C) Left forefinger.
It's just a small mark.1. (B) Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited.
2. (C) Left forefinger.
But it protects the biggest right you have.
