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.