Title: 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 a mix of reactions from various quarters, with some hailing it as a step towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, while others have criticized it as an attempt to restrict people’s right to vote.
The ECI’s decision is based on the fact that these documents may not be foolproof and can be easily manipulated or forged. Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are all identification documents that can be obtained by anyone, regardless of their citizenship or eligibility to vote. This means that even individuals who are not eligible to vote can obtain these documents and use them to register to vote.
Furthermore, the ECI has pointed out that these documents may not be updated regularly, which can lead to inaccuracies and errors. For instance, an individual may have moved to a different address but may still be registered under their previous address. Similarly, an individual may have changed their name or other personal details but may not have updated their identification documents accordingly.
In contrast, the ECI has emphasized the importance of verifying a person’s eligibility to vote through a more rigorous process. This involves checking a person’s name and address against various records, including those maintained by the government and other official agencies. This process is designed to ensure that only eligible individuals are registered to vote and that the electoral roll is accurate and up-to-date.
The ECI’s decision has also been seen as a step towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The commission has emphasized that the electoral roll is a critical document that must be protected from manipulation and fraud. By rejecting the use of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility, the ECI is ensuring that only eligible individuals are registered to vote and that the electoral roll is accurate and reliable.
However, some critics have argued that the ECI’s decision is an attempt to restrict people’s right to vote. They have pointed out that many individuals may not have access to the required documents or may not be able to obtain them in a timely manner. This can lead to a situation where eligible individuals are unable to register to vote, which can have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and other vulnerable groups.
In response to these concerns, the ECI has emphasized that it is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals are able to exercise their right to vote. The commission has pointed out that it has put in place various measures to facilitate the registration process, including the use of online portals and mobile apps. These measures are designed to make it easier for individuals to register to vote and to ensure that the electoral roll is accurate and up-to-date.
In conclusion, the ECI’s decision to reject the use of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility in the ongoing SIR of Bihar’s electoral roll is a step towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. While some critics have argued that this decision is an attempt to restrict people’s right to vote, the ECI’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible individuals are able to exercise their right to vote is clear. The commission’s decision is a reminder of the importance of verifying a person’s eligibility to vote through a more rigorous process and of the need to protect the electoral roll from manipulation and fraud.
