New System to Deliver Voter ID Cards Within 15 Days of Update: EC , Pg12

Context: 

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure delivery of Voter ID cards (EPIC) within 15 days of new enrolment or update in the electoral rolls, marking a major reform in electoral service delivery.

Key Highlights:

1. Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will now be delivered within 15 days of:

• New voter enrolment
• Changes in elector particulars (e.g., address, name, etc.)

2. System includes real-time tracking from:

• Generation by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to
• Final delivery via Department of Posts (DoP)

3. Voters will receive SMS notifications at each stage.

4. The process is being run via the ECINet platform, with integrated Department of Posts's Application Programme Interface (API).

Objective & Significance:

• Enhances voter convenience, especially for first-time voters and migrants.
• Improves public trust in electoral processes by ensuring time-bound delivery.
• Supports Digital India and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance approach.
• Contributes to free, fair and transparent elections by updating the voter ecosystem.