Double trouble, Pg 8

Electoral Discrepancies & Concerns

• Recent State elections showed a sharp rise in voter registrations compared to the General Elections of 2024.
• Maharashtra reported 48 lakh new voters within six months, raising concerns over possible irregularities.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has not provided a clear explanation for this increase.

Issues with EPIC Numbers

• Multiple voters with the same Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) number were found, raising concerns over voter duplication and fraud.
• A key issue is voters registering in multiple States, leading to possible voting in different locations during elections held in close succession.

Aadhaar & Voter Verification

• ECI suggests linking Aadhaar with voter registration to resolve duplication.
• Challenges with Aadhaar linkage:
  • Aadhaar identifies residents, not citizens, making it insufficient for voter verification.
  • Risk of misuse: Aadhaar-based profiling and privacy concerns.
  • Biometric failures could exclude genuine voters.

Way Forward

• Implement a transparent de-duplication process to ensure each voter has only one EPIC number.
• Alternative identity verification mechanisms should supplement Aadhaar-based de-duplication.
• The ECI must ensure voter lists are free from discrepancies while maintaining privacy safeguards.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the challenges in ensuring free and fair elections in India, with a focus on voter registration discrepancies and Aadhaar-based verification. Suggest reforms to strengthen the electoral process."