PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1037
(b) The ballot boxes are all of designs approved by the Election Commission and are more or less of a uniform type, except for variations in locking arrangements. Ballot papers are of a uniform type.
(c) Yes, the ballot boxes will be printed in two colours, one colour to be used for elections to the House of the People and the other for elections to the State Legislative Assembly. The ballot papers also will be similarly distinguishable. Each candidate will have a ballot box allotted to him at each polling booth, and the boxes of different candidates will be identified by means of labels pasted thereon bearing familiar and easily distinguishable symbols, such as flower, hut, tree, human hand, plough, elephant, etc., Each candidate will have a symbol allotted to him. These arrangements will make it easy for illiterate voters to cast their votes freely.
Shri R. C. Upadhyaya: May I know if the Government have procured steel for the purpose of manufacture of ballotboxes ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes. How can the boxes be manufactured without steel ?
Ch. Ranbir Singh : How many days ahead of the elections will be symbols be known to the electorates ?
Dr. Ambedkar: I suppose the symbol will be allotted on the day the scrutiny is complete and the nomination paper is finally accepted. It is for the candidate to advertise what his simbol is among his voters.
Shri J. N. Hazarika: May I know the basis on which the number of ballot boxes required for election purposes has been ascertained, and in so ascertaining whether geographical considerations have also been borne in mind ?
Dr. Ambedkar: It depends upon the number of voters, the capacity of the polling booth etc. I have got here figures as to the number of ballot boxes each State has requisitioned for the purpose of conducting the elections. It is a long list.
An. hon. Member: He wants for Assam.
Dr. Ambedkar: For Assam the total number of ballot boxes are 50,000.