Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 11 April 2024
In a bid to ensure maximum participation of the electorate in the ongoing General Elections-2024, the Election Commission of India has introduced special initiatives through Order No.3/4/4/ID/2024/SDR/Vol. I Dt. 19th March, 2024. These measures aim to encourage citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.
According to the order, individuals who are unable to produce their Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can provide one of several alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity. These include Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour scheme, Driving License, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian Passport, Pension document with photograph, Service Identity Cards with Photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies, Official Identity Cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, and Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Furthermore, the Election Commission has devised specific methods to facilitate and reach out to voters. Voter Information Slips will be distributed through the Booth Level Officer of respective Polling Stations. These slips will contain information such as the serial number of the voter in the electoral roll of the voter’s Polling Station, date of poll, and timing. However, it’s important to note that the Voter Information Slip will not be accepted as proof of identification for voting purposes.
The electorate under the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency has been urged to cast their votes and exercise their democratic right. The Date of Poll (Phase-l) in this constituency is scheduled for 19/04/2024, with polling hours from 7 am to 6 pm.