The Election Commission of India (ECI) is working on a plan to link Voter ID with Aadhaar to remove duplicate and fake voter entries from the electoral rolls. This move aims to ensure fair and transparent elections by preventing multiple registrations under the same name.
A high-level meeting has been called to discuss this proposal, where top government officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Secretary of Legislative Department, and CEO of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), will be present. The decision taken in this meeting could bring a major change in the voting system of India.
Big Meeting on March 18 to Decide the Future of Voter ID-Aadhaar Link
The Election Commission has scheduled a crucial meeting on March 18, 2025, where officials will discuss the legal and technical aspects of linking Aadhaar with Voter ID.
This meeting has gained importance after concerns were raised about duplicate voter registrations, especially in West Bengal. Political parties have also highlighted the issue of multiple voter ID entries with the same EPIC number, making this step even more necessary.
Why is Voter ID-Aadhaar Linking Being Considered?
The main reasons behind this move are:
- Eliminating fake voters: Many people register multiple times in different places, affecting election results.
- Preventing voter fraud: Aadhaar verification will ensure that only genuine voters remain on the list.
- Improving accuracy: The voter list will be more transparent and error-free.
- Enhancing election security: It will reduce the chances of election manipulation by removing duplicate entries.
How Will the Election Commission Remove Fake Voters?
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has stated that the process to identify and remove fake voters has already started.
Key Steps Being Taken:
- Strict verification process: Officials will cross-check voter details with Aadhaar to identify duplicate entries.
- Meetings with political parties: Over 5,000 meetings will be held across 800 districts to collect feedback and resolve concerns.
- Deadline for removing duplicate voters: The process will be completed within three months, with final reports submitted by March 31, 2025.
Will Linking Voter ID to Aadhaar Be Mandatory?
As of now, linking Aadhaar with Voter ID is optional. However, the Election Commission is exploring legal options to make it mandatory, just like Aadhaar-PAN linking.
In 2023, the Supreme Court heard a petition on this issue, where the Election Commission clarified that citizens are not required to provide their Aadhaar number. But with rising concerns about fake voters, this rule may change soon.
Political Reactions to the Voter ID-Aadhaar Link Proposal
Many political parties have raised concerns about this proposal.
Supporters of the Move:
- BJP and some regional parties support this move, saying it will strengthen democracy by preventing fraud.
- They argue that voter ID linking with Aadhaar is a much-needed electoral reform.
Opposition to the Move:
- Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and BJD have expressed concerns about the possible misuse of voter data.
- They claim that some errors in the system could lead to genuine voters being wrongly removed.
How This Move Fits Into Election Reforms
The Election Commission has been working on several reforms to improve the electoral system in India.
Other Important Reforms Being Considered:
- Remote Voting for Migrant Workers: Allowing workers living in different states to vote without traveling.
- Advance Voting Systems: Introducing an early voting option to reduce election day crowds.
- Use of Technology in Elections: Exploring digital solutions for secure and transparent elections.
The Voter ID-Aadhaar linking is a major part of these reform plans, aiming to make elections more secure and fair.
What Happens Next?
- The March 18 meeting will decide whether Voter ID linking with Aadhaar will be mandatory or remain optional.
- If approved, the implementation process will begin immediately, with voters given a deadline to link their IDs.
- The Election Commission will announce further steps based on legal approvals and technical feasibility.
