New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced today that voters can cast their ballots using one of 12 alternative photo identification documents, in addition to the Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
The list of acceptable alternative IDs includes the Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, passbooks with photographs issued by banks or post offices, health insurance smart cards issued under the Ministry of Labour or the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, driving licenses, PAN cards, smart cards issued by the Registrar General of India under the National Population Register (NPR), Indian passports, pension documents with photographs, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by the central or state governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or public limited companies, as well as official identity cards issued to Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), or Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs). Additionally, the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is also acceptable.
The ECI clarified that possessing an EPIC is not mandatory for voting; however, the voter’s name must be present on the electoral roll. The commission has also made special provisions for women who wear burqas or purdahs, ensuring their dignified identification at polling stations.
