Duplicate EPIC Numbers Issue
The Election Commission of India (ECI) addressed a significant concern regarding duplicate Voter ID numbers, where electors in different states were found to have identical EPIC numbers.
Key Details
- Electoral Process Assurance: Despite having identical EPIC numbers, a voter can only vote at their designated polling station within their registered constituency.
- EPIC Number: The Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) number is a 10-digit identifier for voters.
Background and Responses
- Social media posts and West Bengal Chief Minister raised concerns about identical EPIC numbers across states.
- ECI clarified demographic, constituency, and polling booth details differentiate electors with identical EPIC numbers.
Reasons for Duplicate Numbers
- The issue arose from a decentralized, manual system before transitioning to the ERONET platform, causing duplicate numbers across states.
- ERONET is a multilingual web platform managing electoral roll processes.
Resolution Measures
- The ECI plans to rectify duplicate EPIC numbers by allotting unique numbers through an updated ERONET 2.0 platform.
Political Allegations
- Reports suggested duplicate numbers were assigned to migrant workers from West Bengal, also found in Gujarat and Haryana.
- West Bengal Chief Minister accused the BJP of manipulating West Bengal's electoral rolls with ECI's alleged support, benefiting from duplicate voting.
