Concerns Over Duplicate EPIC Numbers in Electoral Rolls

Context: Recently, West Bengal’s Chief Minister has raised concerns over duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card numbers in the electoral rolls.

What Are EPICs (Electors Photo Identity Cards)?

• EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) is an identification document for voters.
• It was introduced under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and issuance began in 1993 to prevent voter impersonation.

Important Facts About EPICs

• Issued only to registered electors.
• Does not grant the right to vote unless the holder’s name appears in the electoral roll.
• Contains the name, age, address, voter particulars, a photograph, and the signature of the registration officer.

How Are EPICs Issued?

• Each EPIC has a unique number consisting of:
  • Three alphabetical codes followed by a seven-digit number.
  • It includes a Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN) for each Assembly constituency.
• Since 2017, EPICs have been issued using the ERONET portal of the EC.

Rules for EPIC Allotment

• A unique EPIC number is assigned when an elector receives their first EPIC.
• If an EPIC is replaced, the same number is retained.

Clarification by the Election Commission

Reason for Duplication

• Before the ERONET system, different states used the same alphanumeric series for EPIC numbers.
• This resulted in some voters having the same EPIC numbers across states, though other details like name, address, constituency, and polling booth remained different.

Duplicate EPICs do not allow Cross-voting

A voter can only cast their ballot in the designated polling station in their registered state or Union Territory.

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