Indelible Ink

Indelible Ink

Context: With the Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the classic symbol of Indian polls, a left hand marked with purple-black indelible ink and only its index finger extended, is visible everywhere.

About:
• The ink contains silver nitrate, an inorganic compound with the chemical formula AgNO3.
• Silver nitrate is colorless but becomes visible under ultraviolet light, including sunlight.
• The quality of the ink improves with higher concentrations of silver nitrate.
• It remains resistant to soap, liquids, detergents, etc., for up to 72 hours after application.
• The ink is water-based and includes a solvent like alcohol to aid in faster drying.
• The exact protocol for making this ink, including its chemical composition and quantities of constituents, is not widely known.
• Initially manufactured by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) at the request of the Election Commission of India.
• Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. has been licensed to manufacture the ink since 1962.
• The ink is exported to over 25 countries, including Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa, and the Maldives.
• The Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951 mentions the use of indelible ink for marking voters.
• Section 61 of RoPA allows rules to be made for marking electors with indelible ink before they receive a ballot paper at a polling station