The Election Commission of India (ECI) is addressing the issue of duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, aiming to rectify a problem that arose from inconsistencies in the numbering system since 2000. The ECI has set a three-month deadline to resolve this issue by assigning new, unique EPIC numbers to affected voters.

Background and причината на проблема

The problem of duplicate EPIC numbers dates back to the introduction of EPICs across states and union territories in 2000. Due to some Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) not following the correct numbering system, duplicate numbers were issued. This occurred because of the decentralized manual system used before the adoption of the ERONET platform, which allowed different State/UT CEO offices to issue similar alphanumeric series.

ECI's Response and Measures

To address these concerns and improve the accuracy of electoral rolls, the ECI has decided to take the following steps: * Unique National EPIC Numbers: The ECI will issue unique national EPIC numbers to voters with duplicates. New voters will also receive distinct numbers to prevent further duplication. * Update ERONET Platform: The ERONET platform will be updated to ERONET 2.0 to ensure unique EPIC numbers for all voters. This updated platform will aid in rectifying any case of duplicate EPIC numbers. * Three-Month Deadline: The ECI has set a three-month deadline to complete the process of replacing duplicate EPIC numbers with unique identifiers.

Clarification on Duplicate EPIC Numbers

The ECI has clarified that duplicate EPIC numbers do not indicate fake voters. The commission explained that while some electors may share the same EPIC number, their demographic details, Assembly Constituency, and polling booth information differ. The EPIC number alone does not determine a voter's eligibility to cast a ballot. A voter can only cast a vote at their designated polling station in their respective constituency.

Impact on Voters

For Indian voters, the ECI's clarification means that duplicate EPIC numbers across different states or constituencies do not suggest that fake or duplicate voters exist. Voters affected by duplicate EPIC numbers will be issued new, unique EPIC numbers to ensure their voting rights remain unaffected.

Political Reactions

The issue of duplicate voter ID numbers has also drawn political reactions. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of adding fake voters to the electoral rolls in Bengal. The Congress party has termed the Election Commission's explanation on duplicate voter ID numbers as "duplicitous".

Applying for a Duplicate Voter ID Card

In case a voter loses their original Voter ID card, they can apply for a duplicate card. The application process is straightforward and can be done both online and offline. To apply for a duplicate Voter ID card, one needs to fill Form EPIC-002 and submit it to the local Electoral Officer along with the necessary documents. The ECI has introduced an online application process for duplicate voter ID cards across all states and union territories.

Conclusion

The ECI's initiative to assign new EPIC numbers to voters with the same ID is a significant step towards improving the accuracy and transparency of the electoral process. By resolving the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers, the ECI aims to ensure that each voter has a unique and valid identity, thereby upholding the integrity of the electoral system.