Aadhaar, among 12 valid ID proofs, allowed for voting

The Election Commission (EC) on Friday announced that voters in Bihar whose names appear on the electoral rolls may produce any one of 12 documents as alternative proof of identity, including the Aadhaar card, in addition to the voter ID card when casting their vote.

Significantly, the EC stated that to encourage the participation of purdanasheen (women observing purdah or wearing burqa) voters, special arrangements will be made at polling stations for their dignified identification in the presence of lady polling officers or attendants, while ensuring complete privacy.

“EC is empowered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, to direct that the Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC) be issued to electors to facilitate their identification and prevent impersonation at the Polling Station,” the statement issued by the poll panel said.

It further stated that Election Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) have been issued to nearly 100 per cent of electors in Bihar and in the eight Assembly constituencies where by-elections are being held.

The Commission has directed all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to ensure the delivery of EPICs to new voters within 15 days of the final publication of electoral rolls.

The 12 alternative photo identity documents approved by the ECI include:

Aadhaar Card; MNREGA Job Card; Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office; Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour/Ayushman Bharat Health Card; Driving Licence; PAN Card; Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR; Indian Passport; Pension document with photograph; Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Governments/PSUs/Public Limited Companies; Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs; and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.