What Clarifications Did ECI Officials Provide on AADHAAR in Bengal?
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Synopsis
In a crucial meeting, the ECI team addressed BLO concerns about AADHAAR's role in West Bengal's voter revision process. With the Supreme Court's backing, clarity was given that AADHAAR is an identity document, but additional proof is essential for voter eligibility.
Key Takeaways
- AADHAAR is an identity document, not proof of address or citizenship.
- Existing voters from 2022 are automatically considered valid.
- New voters need additional documents beyond AADHAAR.
- No valid voter will be removed from the list.
- BLOs play an important role in the revision process.
Kolkata, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Central team of the Election Commission of India (ECI), currently on a two-day evaluation visit to West Bengal for the special intensive revision (SIR), addressed the concerns raised by the booth-level officers (BLOs) regarding the role of AADHAAR cards in the revision process. This comes in light of the Supreme Court's directive to recognize the AADHAAR card as the 12th valid identity document.
The clarifications were provided by the ECI team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, during a meeting with electoral officials from the districts of East Midnapore, Bankura, and Jhargram at Kolaghat.
Responding to inquiries from the BLOs, the Deputy Election Commissioner explained that AADHAAR will be regarded solely as an identity document and will not serve as proof of address or citizenship. Therefore, the ECI will not prioritize AADHAAR in the revision process, according to a source from the office of the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
Subsequently, in a conversation with the media, West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal reiterated the commission's position on AADHAAR treatment.
"Voters listed in 2022 during the last SIR will automatically be acknowledged as valid voters. Those not on the 2022 list must provide alternative citizenship proof as required by the commission. However, solely presenting an AADHAAR card will not suffice; the voter must present one additional document mandated by the commission," Agarwal stated.
He emphasized that the commission guarantees that under no circumstances will any valid voter be removed from the voters' list.
"We addressed several concerns raised by the BLOs during our meeting today. The regulations regarding AADHAAR cards will be enforced. Voters with an additional ECI-approved document besides AADHAAR will not encounter any issues," Agarwal added.
Point of View
It's imperative that the ECI maintains clarity and transparency in the voter revision process. This move to clarify AADHAAR's role ensures that eligible voters are not disenfranchised, upholding the democratic values of our nation. The commitment to not exclude valid voters is a testament to the ECI's dedication to fair electoral practices.
NationPress
10/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of AADHAAR in the voter revision process?
AADHAAR is recognized as an identity document but cannot be used alone as proof of address or citizenship in the voter revision process.
Will existing voters be affected by the new rules?
No, existing voters listed in 2022 will be recognized as valid voters automatically.
What documents are required for new voters?
New voters must provide citizenship proof, including one document in addition to the AADHAAR card.
What assurances did the ECI provide regarding voter exclusion?
The ECI assured that no valid voter will be excluded from the voters' list under any circumstances.
How are BLOs involved in the revision process?
BLOs play a crucial role in clarifying doubts and ensuring compliance with the ECI's rules during the revision process.
