Election Commission's New Directive on Voter ID Documents: Bihar's Influence

The Election Commission of India has advised 12 states and union territories to utilize Bihar's post-special intensive revision electoral roll and Aadhaar card as indicative identity documents for voter list cleanup. This follows Supreme Court directives, emphasizing Aadhaar for identity, not citizenship verification.

The Election Commission of India has expanded its list of acceptable identity documents for voter verification, including Bihar's revised electoral roll and Aadhaar card, in 12 states and union territories. This move aims to streamline the electoral roll cleanup process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Supreme Court directives.

According to instructions to chief electoral officers, electoral registration officials will issue notices to voters with discrepancies in their previous special intensive revision (SIR) electoral roll details. Voters can submit documents from various categories to confirm their eligibility.

The list of acceptable documents includes governmental ID cards, birth certificates, passports, educational certificates, and more. Despite Aadhaar being among these documents, it is emphasized that Aadhaar serves as proof of identity—not citizenship—aligning with legislative stipulations.

(With inputs from agencies.)