Election ink FACTS: Which company has SECRET formula? How much does it cost?
Only one company in India manufactures the election ink that is applied to the finger of voters after they cast their votes.
Bihar Assembly Election 2025: The first phase of voting for the Bihar Assembly elections is underway with 53.77 percent voter turnout recorded till 3pm. Several prominent leaders, including INDIA bloc’s CM face Tejashwi Yadav and Union Minister Giriraj Singh, cast their votes early in the morning. The booth attendants applied blue ink on the fingers of voters after they cast their votes. The ink serves as proof that the person has cast their vote. Once applied on the middle finger of voters, the ink first turns blue and then dark black. The election ink works as a barrier for miscreants who try to cast multiple votes or manipulate votes. It takes more than a month for the colour to fade. But do you know which company is authorised to manufacture the ink and how much it costs? Let’s know.
Which Company Manufactures The Election Ink?
Only one company is authorised to manufacture the election ink. Raidu Laboratories manufactures the ink in Hyderabad, and Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL) in Mysore. The election ink has a very interesting story. Because of its authenticity, several other companies started importing it from India(BHARAT). In India(BHARAT) it was first used in 1962 elections. Interestingly, the company used to manufacture the ink also print the India(BHARAT)n currency notes.
How Much Does The Election Ink Cost?
Every vial contains 10mg of ink. As per reports, each vial cost Rs 174 during the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Interestingly, one vial can ink approx 700 voters, costing only .25 paisa per finger. Now, the company is planning to produce marker pens to replace glass ink bottles. This product is still in the development stage.
The Secret Formula
The company uses silver nitrate along with other chemicals to make the election ink. Notably, the silver nitrate combines with body’s sodium to form sodium chloride, causing the blue ink to gradually turn black. The ink thickens after making contact with water, making it unaffected by soap.
The National Physical Laboratory of India(BHARAT) (NPL) created this formula, which is accepted by the Election Commission. The complete formula for this ink has never been made public. Furthermore, no other company is permitted to manufacture it.
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