Those Left Out of List in SIR Can File Claims Using Aadhaar: EC
The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced that individuals who are left out of the voter list after the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) can now file claims using their Aadhaar numbers. This move comes as a relief to those who were previously excluded from the electoral rolls.
According to Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinod Gunjiyal, all voters who are not included in the draft list can get information about their entry in the list along with the reason through their Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number. This facility is expected to benefit those who were previously left out of the electoral rolls.
The announcement comes after the Supreme Court had asked the poll body to accept Aadhaar as an identity proof. The court’s ruling has paved the way for the EC to use Aadhaar numbers to verify the identities of eligible voters.
The SIR is a process of updating the electoral rolls, which is conducted every year. The process involves verification of the existing electoral rolls and addition of new voters who have turned 18 years old or have shifted their residence. However, in some cases, eligible voters may be left out of the electoral rolls due to various reasons such as incorrect information, incomplete applications, or lack of verifiable identity proof.
The EC’s decision to allow voters to file claims using Aadhaar numbers is expected to make the process of inclusion in the electoral rolls more efficient and convenient. Aadhaar is a unique identity proof that is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and contains biometric and demographic information of the individual.
To file a claim, voters can visit the official website of the EC or visit the local electoral registration officer (ERO) or the CEO’s office. They will need to provide their EPIC number, Aadhaar number, and other relevant information to complete the process.
The EC has also made it clear that the claims filed using Aadhaar numbers will be verified through a process called “electoral verification”. This process involves verification of the voter’s identity, address, and other relevant information to ensure that the claim is genuine.
The decision to accept Aadhaar as an identity proof is a significant step towards increasing the inclusion of eligible voters in the electoral rolls. Aadhaar is a widely used identity proof in India, and its acceptance as a valid proof of identity is expected to make the process of voter registration more convenient and accessible to a larger number of people.
In conclusion, the EC’s decision to allow voters to file claims using Aadhaar numbers is a welcome step towards increasing the inclusion of eligible voters in the electoral rolls. The process is expected to benefit those who were previously left out of the electoral rolls and will help to ensure that the electoral rolls are more accurate and up-to-date.
