Aadhaar, Voter ID & Ration Cards Can’t Be Considered for SIR: ECI
In a recent development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has 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 met with both relief and disappointment, as some had seen this move as a step towards simplifying the voting process.
The ECI’s decision was announced on Monday, and it came after a meeting with the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and other officials. In a statement, the poll body made it clear that a person’s citizenship will not terminate on account of not being part of the electoral rolls.
The SIR process is an exercise carried out by the ECI to update and refine the electoral rolls, which is crucial for ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections. The process involves verifying the eligibility of voters, removing duplicate entries, and adding new voters to the rolls.
The ECI’s decision to reject Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility has been seen as a relief by many. Critics had argued that these documents could be easily forged or tampered with, which could lead to electoral fraud. Additionally, these documents may not always be up-to-date or accurate, which could result in errors and inaccuracies in the electoral rolls.
On the other hand, some had hoped that the ECI would accept these documents as proof of voter eligibility, as it would have simplified the process for voters. With the ECI’s decision, voters will still need to provide other documents, such as their age-proof, residence proof, and identity proof, to demonstrate their eligibility to vote.
The ECI’s decision to reject Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility is in line with its previous stance on the issue. In 2019, the ECI had rejected the use of Aadhaar as a proof of identity for voting, citing concerns about data security and privacy.
The SIR process is an important exercise for the ECI, as it helps to ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date. The process involves verifying the eligibility of voters, removing duplicate entries, and adding new voters to the rolls. This exercise is crucial for ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections, as it helps to prevent electoral fraud and ensures that only eligible voters can exercise their franchise.
In conclusion, the ECI’s decision to reject Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility in the SIR process is a significant development. While some may see this decision as a relief, others may be disappointed by the complexity that it adds to the voting process. However, the ECI’s decision is in line with its previous stance on the issue, and it is aimed at ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections.
