Can Electoral ID Numbers Be Duplicated? EPIC Voter Row In Parliament Explained
The issue of multiple Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with identical numbers has taken centre-stage in Parliament, with opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and an immediate discussion on the matter.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has led the charge, prompting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to announce corrective measures within three months. Refuting the allegations, the poll body stressed that key demographic details remain distinct.Electoral ID Numbers
What Is The EPIC Number?
Electors Photo Identification Card or the EPIC number is the 10-digit voter ID card number issued by the Election Commission of India to each elector above 18 years of age.
The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 provides for EPIC to all electors to prevent any impersonation. Registered voters began to be issued EPICs by state governments from 1993 onwards.
An EPIC contains an elector’s name, age, residence and any particulars specified by the EC; a photograph of the elector; and the facsimile signature of the registration officer.
Poll authorities cross-check this unique identification against the data to ensure that the voter ID card given is genuine. The verification procedure protects against identity theft, impersonation, and other possible voting malpractices.
How To Find The EPIC Number?
As per the EC’s Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, “every EPIC is issued under a unique EPIC Number” – an alphanumeric series with three alphabetical codes followed by a seven-digit number. This number, provided by the EC, includes a Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN) for each Assembly constituency.
Starting in 2017, the EPICs have been made using the EC’s ERONET portal. The manual says EPICs can only be made online. “A unique EPIC Number is allotted to every elector whenever EPIC is issued to an elector for the first time,” the manual says. In case of a replacement EPIC, the number would remain the same as the original.
You will find your EPIC number at the top of your voter ID card. If you do not have your card with you, then here are the steps to find your EPIC number:
• First, you need to visit the official website of the National Voters’ Service Portal.
• Then fill in the necessary details, such as full name, father’s or husband’s name, gender, and state.
• After filling in your information, click on the ‘search’ button.
• You will find your EPIC number at the bottom of the screen.
What’s The Political Row Over EPIC Number?
On February 27, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee alleged that the ruling BJP at the Centre was “with the blessings of Election Commission of India” trying to influence next year’s West Bengal’s assembly election by using fake Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers of voters from other states in the West Bengal voters’ list.
She alleged that the voters’ list in the recently concluded Maharashtra and Delhi assembly elections had been manipulated by the BJP in collusion with the ECI.
She further said that non-residents were being brought into West Bengal to cast their votes using duplicated EPIC numbers.Electoral ID Numbers
On March 10, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MPs walked out after notices from the Congress and other TMC MPs seeking a debate on the issue were rejected.
“We accept your (Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla) remarks that the government does not make voter lists. But we demand a discussion on the issue. The voter lists are being questioned across the country. Questions have been raised by the opposition in one voice in every state, including Maharashtra,” he said.
BJD floor leader Sasmit Patra told Deccan Herald that the EPIC row is the latest anomaly found with regard to the electoral process, and the party is clear about raising the issue vociferously in Parliament.
Patra also recalled that the BJD had approached the EC in December raising the questions about the conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, claiming that people are “baffled” by the discrepancies that have emerged, including the mismatch in votes polled and counted.
In Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs demanded an immediate discussion on the ‘EPIC’ issue but were disallowed, leading to a walkout. Leader of the House JP Nadda said the government is ready to discuss any issue.
What The ECI Said On The EPIC Row
According to ECI sources, the matter related to duplicate EPIC number is a “legacy issue”. Even in 2008-2013, duplicate EPIC numbers were issued to electors. During the annual SSR (Special Summary Revision in 2024), the ECI had been directing states to remove all discrepancies in EPIC.Electoral ID Numbers
It further clarified that “irrespective of the EPIC number, any elector can cast a vote only at their designated polling station in their respective Constituency in their State/UT where they are enrolled in the electoral roll and nowhere else”.
It also listed out the detailed process of how voters’ lists are prepared and names added and deleted.
It said it any person has any objection, he has the option to file the first appeal to the DM/District Collector/Executive Magistrate under section 24(a) of RP Act 1950. Even if the person is not satisfied with the decision of the first appellate authority, a second appeal to Chief Electoral Officer of the concerned State/UT under the same Act.
The ECI further said all cases of duplicate EPIC numbers will be resolved within three months by ensuring a unique EPIC number to the existing electors and for future electors as well.
