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 to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process in the country. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind the ECI’s decision and its implications on the electoral process.
As per the ECI, these documents cannot be accepted as proof of voter eligibility because they are not specifically designed for that purpose. Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are issued for different purposes, and they do not contain the necessary information to verify a person’s eligibility to vote. The ECI has emphasized that the electoral roll is a separate database that requires specific information and verification process to ensure its accuracy and integrity.
The ECI has also clarified that a person’s citizenship will not terminate on account of not being part of the electoral rolls. This means that even if a person is not registered to vote, they are still a citizen of India and have the right to participate in the electoral process. This clarification has been made to ensure that no citizen is denied their right to vote or to participate in the democratic process.
The ECI’s decision to reject the Supreme Court’s suggestion has been welcomed by many political parties and civil society organizations. They argue that the electoral roll is a sacred institution that requires strict verification and authentication processes to ensure its integrity. Any relaxation in these processes could lead to fraudulent entries and tampering with the electoral roll.
However, some critics have argued that the ECI’s decision is regressive and will deny many citizens their right to vote. They argue that Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are widely used documents that can be used as proof of identity and address. They also argue that the ECI’s decision is based on a narrow interpretation of the electoral law and ignores the spirit of democracy.
In order to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote, the ECI has implemented various measures to make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible. For example, the ECI has introduced a mobile app that allows citizens to register themselves to vote and to check their name on the electoral roll. The ECI has also established a toll-free helpline that provides assistance to citizens who face difficulty in registering themselves to vote.
In conclusion, the ECI’s decision to reject the Supreme Court’s suggestion to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as proof of voter eligibility is a welcome move that ensures the integrity and security of the electoral process. While some critics may argue that this decision is regressive, it is essential to maintain the sanctity of the electoral roll and to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.
