Though linking is not mandatory, says deputy commissioner M. Kurma Rao
Though linking is not mandatory, says deputy commissioner M. Kurma Rao
Deputy Commissioner M. Kurma Rao said on Monday that the campaign to link Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) with Aadhaar will be started in Udupi district from August 1.
Speaking to reporters in Udupi, Mr. Rao said that the linking of EPIC and Aadhaar will ensure transparency and clean electoral rolls. For this the administration will start Form 6B campaign.
However, Mr Rao clarified that the linking of EPIC with Aadhaar is voluntary and not mandatory for voters. He said that neither existing voters will be removed nor fresh enrollment will be denied as they do not provide Aadhaar numbers.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Aadhaar linking can be done either online or offline. Voters who have not enrolled in more than one assembly constituency can submit any one of the 11 documents prescribed by the Election Commission of India for nomination, if they do not have Aadhaar.
Mr. Rao said that the last date to enroll in the voter list has been extended to October 1 from the regular cut-off date of January 1 this time. New voters can apply for enrollment before they attain the age of 18 years. He said that provisions have been made to use public buildings for election purposes including polling stations, counting centres, EVM storage facilities and providing other facilities to the personnel on polling duty.
He said simplified forms would be available from August 1. New voters will get EPIC free of cost through speed post. The Deputy Commissioner explained that provisions have been made for change of residence within the same assembly constituency, change of entries in the electoral roll, provision of duplicate EPIC without any change can now be done through Form 8.
Additional Deputy Commissioner BN Veena was present.