More on Covid-19

NEW DELHI: The Commission on Wednesday allowed usage of indelible ink — used exclusively by it to mark the finger of a voter after he has voted — for stamping persons for home quarantine by health authorities.The decision, taken suo motu by the poll panel, was attributed to "extraordinary circumstances" arising out of COVID-19 pandemic.EC, however, added that the indelible ink - which can only be sourced and used by EC as per Conduct of Election Rules - may be used for stamping people for home quarantine subject to certain conditions.Firstly, since Conduct of Election Rules require an elector's left index finger to be marked, the Commission has asked the concerned authorities to be instructed not to use the indelible ink on any finger of left hand of any person.Secondly, the government has been asked to standardise the mark and the location on the body where the mark shall be applied so that it does not come in the way of conduct of elections anywhere in the country.The authorities would also have to be instructed to maintain the record of persons to whom indelible ink is applied and also ensure that indelible ink is not used for any other purpose.The Commission pointed out that the indelible ink mark is normally expected to last for 3 days when applied on the skin but lasts for a few weeks on the fingernail till the nail grows out.