The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is scrutinizing the Election Commission's (EC) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive in Bihar, focusing on concerns regarding potential fake ID cards and the overall integrity of the electoral process. The SIR exercise and official documents were key topics during a PAC meeting.

The SIR is a large-scale effort by the EC to update the voter list in Bihar, aiming to include only eligible citizens and remove ineligible names. The EC's June 24 directive aims to cover nearly eight crore voters in Bihar by July 25. However, the initiative has faced criticism and sparked controversy, particularly surrounding the types of documents accepted for verification.

One major point of contention is the exclusion of Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and driving licenses from the list of acceptable identity documents. These documents are commonly used as proof of identity across India, leading to questions and concerns from political parties and the public. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has been a vocal critic, urging the EC to put the SIR exercise on hold until after the Bihar assembly elections. He argues that the exclusion of Aadhaar cards and MNREGA job cards, which are widely held by rural voters in Bihar, inconveniences voters. Yadav finds it "perplexing" that Aadhaar, which involves biometric verification and is intended to be linked to voter IDs, is not being accepted. He has also demanded transparency regarding the identity and roles of volunteers assisting booth-level officers.

Amid the controversy, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar clarified that Aadhaar was "never the first identity". Speaking to India Today, Kumar emphasized that Aadhaar is not intended to be the primary identity document. He also highlighted the security features of Aadhaar cards, including a QR code that can be scanned using the UIDAI's Aadhaar QR Scanner App to verify authenticity and combat fake cards. Kumar mentioned the UIDAI is launching a new app that will allow users to digitally share their Aadhaar details with consent.

Concerns have also been raised about ineligible individuals obtaining Aadhaar and voter IDs. Some BJP MPs have expressed worries that welfare benefits might reach the wrong people. There have been suggestions to simplify Aadhaar corrections, and the PAC has addressed difficulties faced by Aadhaar cardholders with errors.

Adding to the complexity, reports have emerged suggesting that the EC found illegal immigrants during the SIR drive, but the INDIA bloc alleges mass fabrication of forms. The INDIA bloc alleges mass fabrication of forms. It has been reported that forms are being uploaded by booth-level officers using fake thumb imprints or signatures without the knowledge and consent of the voters.

The PAC's scrutiny also extends to the broader issue of fake ID cards. While the UIDAI has emphasized the security features of Aadhaar and its ability to detect fraudulent cards, the circulation of fake IDs remains a concern.

The Election Commission has maintained that the SIR is being implemented smoothly and that there has been "no change in instructions". However, the ongoing controversy and the PAC's involvement highlight the challenges and complexities of ensuring a fair and accurate electoral roll.