Measure to prevent impersonation with acceptance of alternate IDs
Explanation
The Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) was introduced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1993. Its primary objective is to ensure free and fair elections by preventing impersonation and facilitating accurate identification of electors at polling stations.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement Exclusive identity document for voting purposes is Incorrect: EPIC is not the exclusive document required for voting. The Election Commission of India prescribes a list of alternative photo identity documents (such as Passport, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, MNREGA Job Card, etc.) that can be used to establish identity at the polling station.
- Statement Compulsory prerequisite for exercising voting rights is Incorrect: Possession of an EPIC is not a strict legal prerequisite for exercising voting rights. The primary condition for voting is that the citizen's name must appear in the Electoral Roll. If a registered voter does not possess an EPIC, they are permitted to vote upon producing one of the alternative identity documents approved by the ECI.
- Statement Measure to prevent impersonation with acceptance of alternate IDs is Correct: The EPIC is designed as a measure to check bogus voting and impersonation. However, to ensure that no genuine voter is disenfranchised due to the loss or non-receipt of the card, the system allows for the acceptance of alternate IDs.
- Statement Issued only to taxpayers and property owners is Incorrect: EPIC is issued to all eligible citizens registered in the electoral roll, based on the principle of Universal Adult Franchise. It is not restricted to taxpayers or property owners.
Key Takeaway:
While EPIC is the primary document for voter identification, the presence of a voter's name in the Electoral Roll is the absolute condition for voting; the ECI allows alternative documents to prove identity if the EPIC is unavailable.