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 made in an effort to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the electoral process.
The SIR is a crucial process that takes place every year, where the electoral rolls are revised to include new voters and delete duplicate entries. The Election Commission has made it clear that only the existing documents, such as electoral photo identity cards (EPICs), passports, driving licenses, and pension documents, will be accepted as proof of voter eligibility.
The ECI’s decision has been made public in the wake of the Supreme Court’s suggestion to consider Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as proof of voter eligibility. The apex court had suggested that these documents could be used as standalone proof of voter eligibility, but the ECI has rejected this proposal.
The ECI has cited several reasons for rejecting the Supreme Court’s suggestion. Firstly, the ECI has stressed that Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are not specifically designed to prove voter eligibility. These documents are primarily used for different purposes, such as identity verification, entitlement to government benefits, and voting in other elections.
Secondly, the ECI has expressed concerns that accepting these documents as proof of voter eligibility could lead to errors and discrepancies in the electoral rolls. The ECI has emphasized that the electoral rolls must be accurate and reliable to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Thirdly, the ECI has highlighted the lack of uniformity in the issuance of these documents across the country. Aadhaar cards, for instance, are issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), while voter IDs are issued by the Election Commission itself. This lack of uniformity could lead to inconsistencies in the electoral rolls and create problems during the voting process.
The ECI has also clarified that a person’s citizenship will not terminate on account of not being part of the electoral rolls. The ECI has emphasized that citizenship is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, and it cannot be taken away on the grounds of not being enrolled in the electoral rolls.
The ECI’s decision has been welcomed by many who have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for electoral purposes. The ECI’s decision has also been seen as a move to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the electoral process.
The ECI’s decision to reject the Supreme Court’s suggestion is a significant development in the context of the ongoing SIR in Bihar. The SIR is a critical process that requires the ECI to ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and reliable. The ECI’s decision to stick to the existing documents as proof of voter eligibility will help to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and reliable.
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 in the ongoing SIR of Bihar’s electoral roll is a significant development. The ECI’s decision has been made in an effort to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the electoral process, and it has been welcomed by many who have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of these documents for electoral purposes.
The ECI’s decision is a reminder that the electoral process is a critical component of a democratic system, and it requires the ECI to take steps to ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and reliable. The ECI’s decision to stick to the existing documents as proof of voter eligibility will help to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and reliable.
