Will Bihar's ECI Release New Voter ID Cards with Old Numbers and Updated Photos?
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Synopsis
As Bihar prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, new voter ID cards with updated photos are set to be issued to nearly 7 crore electors. The initiative aims to enhance voter convenience and transparency, ensuring timely delivery of electoral services. Stay tuned for the final voter list release and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- New voter ID cards will be issued with updated photos for 7 crore electors.
- The existing EPIC numbers will be retained.
- Polling booth names may change to improve convenience.
- Delivery of the new cards will be tracked digitally.
- Real-time SMS notifications will be provided.
New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) As the final electoral rolls for the Bihar Assembly election loom, sources from the election office revealed on Sunday that nearly 7 crore state voters will soon receive new election identity cards featuring updated photographs.
The new voter ID cards will keep the existing Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, while the names of the voting booths may be altered due to an increase in the number of booths aimed at enhancing voter convenience, according to a source.
The release of the final voter list signifies an important milestone in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. During the SIR enumeration phase conducted from June 24 to July 25, over 7.24 crore electors out of a total of 7.89 crore submitted their details. However, the draft rolls indicated that around 65 lakh voters were missing.
Sources from the election office mentioned that the upcoming final list, set to be released on Monday, may show an increase in the number of missing voters beyond 65 lakh.
Earlier on Sunday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed claims made in a media report alleging widespread duplication during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar clarified that the draft rolls published under SIR 2025 are provisional and specifically designed for public review.
“Any alleged duplication at this stage cannot be deemed a final error,” the CEO's statement on X emphasized, highlighting that the law allows for objections, verification, and corrections before final publication.
Addressing the claim of 67,826 “dubious duplicates” mentioned in the report, the CEO argued that it is based on data-mining and subjective comparisons of names, relatives, and ages, stating that these parameters cannot conclusively establish duplication without proper documentary and field verification.
In June, the ECI introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) are issued within 15 days of any updates to the electoral rolls.
This reform is part of a series of citizen-centric initiatives being implemented by the ECI under the guidance of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
The initiative aims to reduce delays, improve transparency, and provide efficient, timely, and trackable voter services.
According to the new SOP, the entire process—from the generation of the EPIC by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to its delivery at the voter's door—will be digitally monitored. Voters will receive real-time SMS updates at every step of the delivery process.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the ECI's efforts to enhance the electoral process in Bihar. The introduction of new voter ID cards with updated photographs aims to improve transparency and accessibility. While challenges such as missing voters and duplication concerns exist, the ongoing reforms reflect a commitment to ensuring a fair and efficient electoral process. It is imperative for voters to stay informed and engaged during this vital period.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new changes in voter ID cards for Bihar?
The new voter ID cards will feature updated photos while maintaining the existing EPIC numbers. They aim to enhance voter convenience with potentially changed polling booth names.
How many voters are affected by the new ID card issuance?
Approximately 7 crore state electors in Bihar will receive the new voter ID cards.
What is the timeline for receiving the new voter ID cards?
The Election Commission has introduced a SOP to ensure that the new voter ID cards are delivered within 15 days of any electoral roll updates.
What steps are taken to address duplication issues?
The Chief Electoral Officer clarified that any alleged duplication at this stage is provisional and subject to verification and correction before final publication.
How can voters track their new voter ID card delivery?
Voters will receive real-time SMS updates at every stage of the EPIC delivery process.
