Linking Aadhaar with EPIC still optional: CEO
Shillong, May 6: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Meghalaya, BDR Tiwari, on Monday addressed the issue of duplicate EPICs in the state.
Tiwri revealed that 524 cases had been identified in Meghalaya where individuals had the same EPIC number across different states but under different names.
“These cases have been rectified. All 524 individuals have been issued new EPIC numbers. This was part of a detailed exercise initiated by the ECI to identify and eliminate duplicates. All the new EPIC cards have been downloaded and delivered,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tiwari also said though people are requested to link their Aadhaar with Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), it remains optional.
“Linking Aadhaar with EPIC is still optional as per the legal framework under the verdict of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. However, since Aadhaar is linked to many other services, we are requesting voters to consider linking their EPIC with Aadhaar. But as of now, it remains optional. This service can be availed through the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs),” he said.
The upcoming ECINET platform and the ongoing cleanup of voter data reflect the Election Commission’s broader efforts to modernize and secure India’s electoral system while maintaining transparency and accessibility.
