EC’s Push for EPIC-Aadhaar Linkage: What You Need to Know
New Delhi: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is taking significant steps towards resolving legal issues surrounding the EPIC-Aadhaar linkage. This comes as the deadline for existing voters to voluntarily provide their Aadhaar numbers to the Election Commission (EC) expired nearly a year ago without any extension.
The Current Situation
The law ministry previously set March 31, 2024, as the final date for existing electors to share their Aadhaar details. However, the Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea regarding the mandatory nature of providing Aadhaar, clarifying that its submission is not compulsory. This has led to confusion about the status of voter enrolment forms.
Importance of Biometric Authentication
With over 66.2 crore electors voluntarily providing their Aadhaar details, the linkage is essential for establishing voter identity. Former CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the benefits of biometric authentication, suggesting it can significantly reduce impersonation and multiple voting.
Future Directions
The upcoming meeting on March 18 will explore options for resuming Aadhaar seeding for the remaining 34 crore voters. This may include proposals to make Aadhaar submission mandatory, which could face opposition due to privacy concerns. Alternatively, the EC may seek amendments to clarify the voluntary nature of Aadhaar submission.
In light of these developments, the EC aims to revive efforts initially started in 2015, despite challenges from political parties and legal hurdles.
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Stay informed about the latest changes in the electoral process and how they may affect you. The linkage of EPIC and Aadhaar could reshape voter identification in India, ensuring a more secure and transparent electoral system.
