The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a voluntary initiative to link Voter ID cards with Aadhaar numbers, aiming to enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls by eliminating duplicate and ineligible entries.
Background and Objectives
This initiative seeks to address discrepancies in voter records, such as duplicate or outdated entries, thereby improving the integrity of the electoral process.
Voluntary Participation and Opt-Out Provisions
Participation in the Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage is voluntary. The ECI, in collaboration with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has developed mechanisms to facilitate this process. The Law Ministry is also working to amend Form 6B to clarify that providing Aadhaar details remains optional for voters.
Methods to Link Aadhaar with Voter ID
Voters can link their Aadhaar numbers with their Voter ID cards through several methods:
- Online through the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP):
- Visit the NVSP website.
- Log in and navigate to the section for Aadhaar linking.
- Enter the required details, including Aadhaar and Voter ID numbers.
- Submit the information for verification.
- Using the Voter Helpline App:
- Download and install the Voter Helpline App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register or log in to your account.
- Select the option to link Aadhaar with Voter ID.
- Provide the necessary details and submit.
- Via SMS:
- Send an SMS to 166 or 51969 in the following format:
ECILINK<SPACE><EPIC No.><SPACE><Aadhaar No.>
- Send an SMS to 166 or 51969 in the following format:
- Through Phone:
- Call the dedicated number 1950 between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays.
- Provide your Voter ID and Aadhaar card information for linking.
- Offline by Visiting State Election Offices:
- Locate your state’s election office.
- Prepare necessary documents, including copies of your Voter ID, Aadhaar card, and a passport-sized photograph (if required).
- Visit the office during official hours.
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
Political Reactions and Concerns
The Congress party has expressed concerns regarding the linkage, emphasizing the need to address voter list issues without depriving individuals of their voting rights. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a transparent process to ensure that the linkage does not lead to disenfranchisement.
Conclusion
The ECI’s initiative to link Voter ID cards with Aadhaar numbers represents a significant step toward enhancing the integrity of India’s electoral system. While the linkage is voluntary and offers multiple methods for convenience, it is essential to address concerns related to data privacy and potential disenfranchisement to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
