The Election Commission of India has started a campaign to link voter ID cards and Aadhaar cards. This is to verify voter identities on electoral rolls and reduce duplicate and fake voter IDs. The process of linking Aadhaar number with voter ID card is called EPIC-Aadhaar seeding.
Why Link Aadhaar Card with Voter ID Card?
Aadhaar card has biometric details like fingerprints and iris scan. Linking it with voter ID provides double verification and makes the system more secure. The main aim is to identify and eliminate duplicate voter IDs being misused across the country.
In December 2021, the Parliament passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill allowing linkage of Aadhaar with voter IDs. The deadline for this was extended from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Though not mandatory, the linkage helps identify multiple voter registrations of one person.
About Aadhaar Card and Voter ID Card
The Aadhaar number is a 12-digit random number issued by UIDAI to Indian residents after verifying their details. Any Indian resident can voluntarily obtain it regardless of age or gender.
Voter ID or EPIC is provided by Election Commission to Indian citizens above 18 years. It allows them to vote in municipal, state and national elections.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
Ways to Link Aadhaar Card with Voter ID
Online: Visit the NVSP portal and enter voter ID and Aadhaar details. The request will be processed.
SMS: Send an SMS in the format - ECILINK
Call Center: Call the voter helpline - 1950 on weekdays 10am - 5pm. Provide voter ID and Aadhaar details.
Through BLOs: Visit nearest booth level officer with the documents. They will link it for you.
Check Aadhaar-EPIC Linking Status
To check current status of your Aadhaar-EPIC seeding:
- Visit NVSP Portal
- Click on 'Check Status Application'
- Enter reference ID and track progress
You will get notified once linking is completed successfully.
| Linking Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Via NVSP portal |
| SMS | To 9211728082 |
| Call Center | Dial 1950 |
| Through BLO | Visit nearest BLO office |
Importance of Linking Voter ID and Aadhaar Card
Linking the two IDs enhances efficiency and transparency of the electoral process. It eliminates existence of duplicate and fake identities. This maintains the sanctity of the electoral rolls.
The linkage also allows better coordination between UIDAI and ECI databases leading to improved service delivery.
Concerns around Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage
There are some privacy and exclusion concerns around seeding Aadhaar with voter IDs. However, the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar. The government needs to ensure proper safeguards are in place during implementation.
Conclusion:
Linking Aadhaar and Voter ID is an important electoral reform. It will strengthen election processes and improve efficiency. However, concerns around privacy and exclusion of citizens must be addressed through proper laws and oversight.
FAQ:
Q1: Why was the deadline for linking Aadhaar with voter ID extended?
A1: The deadline was extended from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 to give more time for citizens to complete the linkage process.
Q2: Is Aadhaar-voter ID linking mandatory?
A2: As of now, the linkage is not mandatory but voluntary. However, the government advises all citizens to link the two IDs.
Q3: How can I link my Aadhaar card online?
A3: You can link Aadhaar with voter ID online through the NVSP portal. Enter your voter ID and Aadhaar details to submit request.
Q4: What documents do I need to link Aadhaar and voter ID offline?
A4: You need to carry your original Aadhaar card and voter ID card to the nearest BLO office for offline linking.
Q5: I linked the IDs 2 months back but status still shows pending. What should I do?
A5: Sometimes linking takes time due to process delays. You can call the voter helpline 1950 and check status or raise a complaint.
Q6: Can I delink my Aadhaar and voter ID if I want?
A6: There is no process currently to delink Aadhaar and voter ID if you have seeded them voluntarily.
