Recent Context
The Election Commission (EC) has initiated a voluntary drive to integrate Aadhaar with Voter ID cards (EPIC) to streamline electoral rolls and eliminate duplicate registrations.
Understanding EPIC
- EPIC: A 10-character alphanumeric code issued by the EC as proof of identity for Indian voters aged 18+.
- Purpose: Enables participation in elections at all levels (local, state, national).
- ERONET: A multilingual digital platform used by election officials to manage electoral processes.
Rationale for Aadhaar Linking
- Goal: Tackle duplication in voter lists, first attempted through the National Electoral Rolls Purification Program (NERPAP) in 2015.
- Legal Hurdles: The Supreme Court (2015) restricted mandatory Aadhaar use to welfare schemes and PAN linkage, halting NERPAP.
- Current Approach:
- Voluntary linkage under Article 326 (citizenship-based voting rights).
- Compliance with RP Act, 1950 (Sections 23(4)-(6)), ensuring no voter is excluded for lacking Aadhaar.
Progress & Legal Safeguards
- Current Status: Over 66.23 crore Aadhaar numbers linked to voter IDs as of 2023.
- Voluntary Basis: Consent via Form 6B for Aadhaar authentication, with no option to revoke consent post-submission.
- EC’s Assurance: Aadhaar serves solely as identity proof; linkage does not affect voting eligibility.
Challenges & Concerns
- Privacy Apprehensions: Critics highlight risks of data misuse and exclusion of marginalized groups.
- Transparency Gaps: Lack of clarity on data storage and sharing protocols.
- Legal Ambiguity: Absence of parliamentary legislation backing the linkage initiative.
Way Forward
- Legislative Backing: Enact laws to formalize Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage with privacy safeguards.
- Awareness Drives: Educate voters on voluntary participation and data protection measures.
- Tech Upgrades: Strengthen ERONET’s security to prevent breaches.
