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EC Addresses Concerns Over Duplicate Voter ID Numbers

Last updated on March 3rd, 2025 Posted on March 3, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  282

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity

Context

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has acknowledged concerns regarding identical Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) numbers issued to voters in different states. 

About

  • Reports of duplicate voter ID numbers raised concerns about bogus voting and electoral fraud.
  • Before ERONET, states used different systems, leading to duplicate voter entries due to migration.
  • ECI is working to rectify duplicate numbers and implement ERONET 2.0 for better voter database management.

What is an EPIC Number?

  • EPIC (Electors Photo Identification Card) is a 10-digit alphanumeric voter ID number issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
  •  Purpose:
    • Proof of identity for Indian citizens aged 18+.
    • Enables access to electoral services (voter status check, information updates, applications).
    • Helps prevent fraudulent voting.

What is ERONET?

  • ERONET (Electoral Roll Management Platform) is a web-based system ensuring a unified, accurate electoral database across India.
  • Key Features:
    • Centralized electoral roll for all states & UTs.
    • Operates in 14 languages & 11 scripts.
    • Generates Photo Similar Entries (PSE) & Demographic Similar Entries (DSE) reports.
    • Reduces duplicate voter registrations caused by migration.

National Electoral Rolls Purification & Authentication Program (2015)

  • Objective: Remove duplicate voter entries by linking EPIC data with Aadhaar.
  • Benefits of linking:
    • Ensures one voter, one vote policy.
    • Enhance Transparency & Integrity.
    • Clean Electoral Rolls.
    • Efficient Election Management.
  • Challenges in linking:
    • Aadhaar Errors may lead to wrongful voter deletion.
    • Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, raising concerns about non-citizens on the rolls.
    • Privacy Risks from linking electoral rolls with Aadhaar data.

Way Forward

  • Public Awareness: Educate voters on the benefits of EPIC-Aadhaar linking.
  • Address Privacy Concerns: Assure citizens that secrecy of votes remains intact.
  • Strengthen Electoral Transparency: Ensure trust and accuracy in the voting process.

Source: TH

 
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