Summary:
“We are stressing on ensuring that their names figure on the voters’ list. PUNE: Election officials have said that Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) will be distributed only to newly-registered voters whose names figure in the summary revision of electoral rolls declared on January 31.The officials have cited time constraints for their inability to issue Electoral Photo Identity Cards to all voters.Election officials told TOI that, with just about a month left to complete the process, it would be impossible to reach out to the entire electorate.However, they said that voters can apply for Electoral Photo Identity Cards cards by approaching the authorities but they should not panic if they do not receive the cards in time. In case they do not have an Electoral Photo Identity Cards card they can still vote using other ID proofs as mentioned by the ECI,’’ stated officials.While the state election officials have directed the booth level officers (BLOs) to reach out to all voters, distribute Electoral Photo Identity Cards cards and update their photo identity proof, it appears rather impossible considering the voluminous data that they have to handle.The Election Commission of India has also been stressing on clean voters’ roll.“In case a person has misplaced or does not have an EPIC card but his/her name is registered in the voters list, he/she can vote using the ID proof as specified by the Election Commission of India. The instructions will be issued in the final schedule,’’ an official said.Many housing societies have demanded that voter registration and EPIC card distribution be done ward-wise to solve the problem.Residents of housing societies, who attended a voter awareness programme, have said that Electoral Photo Identity Cards card distribution from Pune Municipal Corporation ward offices will help instead of door-to-door, said Ravindra Sinha, a member of Aundh Baner Balewadi Pashan Vikas Manch.Voter registration booths should be set up in every locality in the final round to help maximize registration and correction of the electoral roll, he said..