The Election Commission of India clarified a few things about voter lists and Aadhaar cards. Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, stated that while you can use Aadhaar cards for ID, they don’t prove citizenship or where you were born. The Commission also gave updates on how they’re making Voter ID cards (EPICs) and fixing voter rolls.
The Chief Election Commissioner mentioned that Bihar has already started issuing new EPIC cards when voters need to change things like their name, address, or polling place. They plan to use this everywhere to keep voter info correct and current.
Voter List Matching and Linking Process
The Election Commission has made it easy for voters to check old voter lists. Now, anyone or the Booth Level Officer (BLO) can visit voters.eci.gov.in to see the voter lists of 2002, 2003, and 2004.
The process is very simple:
Select your state and then your district.
Search for the name you want and click the link button.
For example, if your parents live in Lucknow and you live in Delhi, first select the state Uttar Pradesh, then the Lucknow district, and search and link their names.
According to the Commission, the IT department has made this process very simple so that everyone can use it easily.
Legal Validity of Aadhaar Card
The Commission said it is strictly following the Supreme Court’s rules on the use of Aadhaar cards. As per the Aadhaar Act, its use is limited to certain purposes only.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar clarified:
- Not a proof of citizenship: According to Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, the Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship or residence.
- Not a proof of date of birth: Based on Supreme Court rulings, the Aadhaar card cannot be used as proof of date of birth.
- Only an identity card: Aadhaar can only be used as proof of identity and for e-signing.
Now, when you download a new Aadhaar card from the UIDAI website, it clearly states that it is not proof of citizenship, place of birth, or date of birth.
The Commission also said there is no issue in West Bengal. All constitutional bodies are working as per the Constitution. The experience gained from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) held in Bihar will be used to give better facilities to voters across the country.
