ECI TO INITIATE TECHNICAL CONSULTATIONS TO LINK VOTER ID WITH AADHAAR

Why in the News?

  • ECI announcement: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will initiate technical consultations for linking Voter ID (EPIC) with Aadhaar.
  • High-level meeting: The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar with officials from UIDAI, Home Ministry, and Legislative Department.
  • Legal considerations: The process will align with Article 326, Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Supreme Court judgments.

ECI TO INITIATE TECHNICAL CONSULTATIONS TO LINK VOTER ID WITH AADHAAR

Key Electoral Reforms Announced

  • Resolving duplicate Voter IDs: ECI aims to eliminate duplicate registrations within three months.
  • Enhanced polling booth management: To reduce long queues, the Commission has mandated that no polling booth will have more than 1,200 voters.
  • Training for poll agents: Booth-level, polling, counting, and election agents will be trained to improve election management.

Implications of Voter ID-Aadhaar Linking

  • Identity verification: Aadhaar establishes identity, but citizenship verification remains crucial for voting rights under Article 326.
  • Data privacy concerns: Linking EPIC with Aadhaar raises questions about voter data security and potential exclusions.
  • Future of electoral reforms: The initiative is part of broader electoral modernization efforts to enhance transparency and voter participation.