Title: Aadhaar, Voter ID & Ration Cards Can’t be Considered for SIR: ECI
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently rejected the Supreme Court’s suggestion to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility in the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral roll. This decision has been taken to ensure the purity and integrity of the electoral process in the country.
The ECI’s decision comes after the Supreme Court had suggested that these documents can be accepted as proof of identity for those who are unable to produce other documents required for the SIR process. However, the poll body has rejected this suggestion and has emphasized that a person’s citizenship won’t terminate on account of not being part of the electoral rolls.
The ECI’s decision is based on the principle of ensuring the purity and integrity of the electoral process. The poll body believes that the use of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as proof of identity can lead to duplication of entries and manipulation of the electoral rolls. The ECI is committed to ensuring that the electoral rolls are clean and free from errors, and that every citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
The SIR process is an important exercise conducted by the ECI to update the electoral rolls and ensure that every eligible citizen is enrolled to vote. The process involves the verification of the existing electoral rolls and the inclusion of new voters who have attained the age of 18 years and have not been enrolled previously. The ECI has made it clear that the SIR process is not a one-time exercise and will be conducted regularly to ensure that the electoral rolls remain updated and accurate.
The ECI’s decision has been welcomed by many political parties and civil society organizations who have been critical of the use of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as proof of identity. They believe that these documents can be manipulated and that their use can lead to fraud and irregularities in the electoral process.
In conclusion, the ECI’s decision to reject the Supreme Court’s suggestion to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility is a step in the right direction. The poll body is committed to ensuring the purity and integrity of the electoral process, and its decision will help to maintain the trust and confidence of the citizens in the electoral system.
