Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd (MPVL), India’s sole manufacturer of indelible ink, is ramping up production to meet the soaring demand ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Besides domestic demand, MPVL is also catering to export orders, reinforcing its pivotal role in safeguarding electoral integrity worldwide. Under rule 49K of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 every elector shall allow his left forefinger to be inspected by the Presiding officer or Polling Officer and an Indelible ink mark to be put on it.
What is Indelible Ink and how does it work?
Indelible ink is a special purple colour ink used to mark voters during elections to prevent duplicate voting. It is typically applied to a voter’s finger after they cast their vote and is designed to be long-lasting and resistant to removal. It often contains silver nitrate, which reacts with the skin and on exposure to light, forms a permanent dark mark. The ink works by penetrating the skin and staining it, making it difficult to wash off or remove with solvents.
