Election Commission Resolves EPIC Number Duplication Issue

Election Commission Resolves EPIC Number Duplication Issue

Why in the News ?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has resolved a major issue concerning duplicate EPIC numbers affecting voters across India. The issue, flagged by political parties like TMC and Congress, has now been addressed through fresh issuance of unique voter IDs.

Election Commission Resolves EPIC Number Duplication Issue

About Issue of EPIC Duplication :

  • EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued to voters.
  • Duplication of EPIC numbers affected an average of one voter in every four polling stations.
  • The issue came to light after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and the Congress raised concerns.

  • EC clarified that the duplication did not allow multiple voting, as electors can vote only in their designated constituency.

EC’s Response and Action

  • The Election Commission conducted a nationwide verification across 99 crore electors, 10.5 lakh polling stations, and 4,123 Assembly constituencies.
  • Found that affected voters were genuine electors but registered in different constituencies or polling stations.
  • Issued new EPIC cards with unique numbers to all such voters after field verification.

  • Asserted that the issue was technical, not fraudulent.

Political Allegations and Clarifications

  • TMC accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls with EC’s alleged complicity.
  • EC denied allegations, clarified that same EPIC number doesn’t enable duplicate voting.
  • Trinamool rejected EC’s clarification, calling it a “cover-up”.

  • EC reiterated that the issue did not impact any past election results.

EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) :

●     Issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

●     A 10-digit alphanumeric unique identity number.

●     Helps prevent voter impersonation and ensures transparency.

●     Mandatory for casting vote in elections.

●     Contains voter’s photo, name, gender, date of birth, and constituency.

●     Duplication issues have recently been resolved by ECI through fresh issuance of unique EPICs.