Latest news with #Elector'sPhotoIdentityCard
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Voter ID EPIC number explained: What it is and how to retrieve it
In India, every eligible citizen is issued a Voter ID card, officially known as an Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), which enables them to vote in elections. A key detail printed on this card is the EPIC number. While many individuals see this number, they may not fully understand its significance or how to use EPIC number is a unique 10-character alphanumeric code assigned to each voter by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It serves to quickly identify voters and prevent duplication. This number is essential if you want to apply for a new card, verify your name on the voter list, or vote in elections. In this article, we will explain what the EPIC number is, where to locate it on your Voter ID card, and how to retrieve it online if you lose your WHAT IS THE EPIC NUMBER? The term "EPIC" stands for Electoral Photo Identity Card. The EPIC number is a unique alphanumeric code printed on every Indian Voter ID points:The EPIC number is usually a combination of 10 letters and numbers (for example, ABC1234567).It serves as a distinct identification code for each voter registered with the Election Commission of two voters have the same EPIC number.2. IMPORTANCE OF THE EPIC NUMBERYour EPIC number is more than just a code. It is vital for various processes:It proves your identity and citizenship during enables you to poll your vote anywhere in India where you are services, welfare schemes, and official records may ask for your EPIC number to verify your identity.3. WHERE CAN YOU LOCATE THE EPIC NUMBER ON YOUR VOTER ID CARD? Finding the EPIC number is straightforward:It is printed on the front of your Voter ID for a section labelled 'EPIC No.' or 'EPIC Number.'The code will be right next to this label and is usually at the top or left side of the card, depending on the card's version.4. HOW TO FIND YOUR EPIC NUMBER ONLINEIf you've lost your card or need your EPIC number in a hurry, you can also find it online:Visit the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP) or your State Election Commission the 'Search Your Name in Electoral Roll' your details (name, age, district, state) as your information is found, your EPIC number will be displayed alongside your name and details.5. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VOTER ID CARD OR EPIC NUMBER IS LOSTDon't panic if your card is lost!You can download an electronic version called e-EPIC from the NVSP visit the nearest voter-help centre or your local Electoral Registration a government-approved identity for verification, and you can get your EPIC number EPIC number is your unique identification as a voter in India. Whether for voting, accessing government services, or proving your Indian citizenship, keeping your EPIC number handy and knowing how to find it both offline and online ensures you are always prepared to make your voice heard in a democracy.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Narrative of Tejashwi, entire Oppn destroyed: JD(U) amid row over Bihar SIR
Electoral Officer has asked Tejashwi to submit the EPIC card he referred to, so they can investigate further and clear up the confusion ANI Janata Dal United (JDU) on Sunday slammed Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who claimed that his name was missing from the new draft voter list after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and said that the narrative of Tejashwi and the opposition has been "destroyed". "Tejashwi Yadav's theft has been caught. Sometimes he cries about names being removed from the voter list, and sometimes he spreads lies about the EPIC number. The truth is that now the narrative of Tejashwi and the entire opposition has been completely destroyed," the party said in a post in hindi on social media platform X. After Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, claimed that his name was missing from the voter list, the Electoral Registration Officer in Patna on Sunday asked him to provide the details of the EPIC card he mentioned during his press conference, so that the matter can be thoroughly investigated. In a press conference on Saturday, Tejashwi said his name was not included in the new draft voter list being revised in Bihar. However, officials checked the records and found that his name is listed. It appears at serial number 416 of polling station number 204, which is located at the Library Building of Bihar Animal Science University. The official EPIC (voter ID) number listed is RAB0456228. But in his press conference, Tejashwi mentioned a different EPIC number, RAB2120. Officials say that number, or a similar one (RAB2916120), does not seem to be valid. Now, the Electoral Officer has asked Tejashwi to submit the EPIC card he referred to, so they can investigate further and clear up the confusion. "According to you, from your press conference quote, your import number is RAB2120. As per preliminary investigation import number RAB2916120 does not appear to be officially issued. Therefore, you are requested to kindly provide the details of the mentioned Impic card (along with the original copy of the card) mentioned by you in the press conference held on 02.08.2025 to the undersigned so that it can be thoroughly investigated," the letter reads. A day earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had also refuted his claim. "My name is not there in the electoral roll. How will I contest the elections?" Tejashwi Yadav asked after he was unable to fetch his name using his Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number. However, the ECI clarified that Tejashwi's name is included in the draft voter list at serial number 416. ECI, in a statement, stated, "It has come to our attention that Tejashwi Yadav has made a mischievous claim that his name does not appear in the draft electoral roll. His name is listed at Serial Number 416 in the Draft Electoral Roll. Therefore, any claim stating that his name is not included in the draft electoral roll is false and factually incorrect." Earlier today, the Election Commission of India (ECI) released a bulletin detailing the progress of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. The data covers submissions and updates received between August 1 (3 PM) and August 3 (3 PM), 2026. According to the report, a total of 1,60,813 claims and objections were received from political parties regarding the draft voter list. However, none have been resolved yet, as per the 7-day waiting period mandated by election rules. Among national parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted the highest number of claims and objections at 53,338, followed by the Indian National Congress with 17,549, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 74. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) also submitted a small number of entries. From the state parties, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) filed 47,506 objections and claims, while Janata Dal (United) submitted 36,550, and CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation filed 1,496. In addition to the submissions from political parties, the ECI received 941 claims and objections directly from individual voters, relating to the inclusion of eligible voters or the removal of ineligible ones. These too, are yet to be resolved, following the standard procedure. Furthermore, 4,374 new voters aged 18 and above have submitted Form 6 to be added to the electoral roll. Their applications are also awaiting processing. The ECI reiterated that no names can be deleted from the draft voter list until due process is followed, and each claim or objection is carefully examined by the respective Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) after a mandatory 7-day period.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Voter ID Showed By You Does Not Exist": Poll Body Notice To Tejashwi Yadav
New Delhi: The Election Commission -- which has refuted Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav's claim that his name is not in the draft voter list -- has now asked him to provide details of the voter ID card he had showed at a press conference yesterday to back his claim. Staunchly denying his claim, the Commission had said the EPIC number of the ID is not "officially issued". Mr Yadav's claim had come yesterday -- a day after the Commission had published the draft electoral rolls after the hugely controversial Special Intensive Revision or SIR exercise. Today, the Commission sent him a notice, that said: "After investigation, it was found that your name is mentioned at serial number 416 of polling station number 204 (Library Building of Bihar Animal Science University), whose EPIC number is RAB0456228. According to you, as per the quote of your press conference, your EPIC number is RAB2916120." "According to preliminary investigation, EPIC number RAB2916120 does not appear to be officially issued. Therefore, you are requested to kindly provide the details of the mentioned EPIC card (along with the original copy of the card) mentioned by you in the press conference held on 02.08.2025 to the undersigned, so that it can be thoroughly investigated," the notice read. At a press conference yesterday, Mr Yadav had said the Election Commission had explained the removal of 65 lakh voters as a result of deaths and migration. "But in the list provided to us by the Election Commission, they have cleverly not given the address of any voter, no booth number, and no EPIC number, so that we cannot find out whose names have been removed from the voter list," Mr Yadav claimed. In front of cameras, he had tried to verify his own details, using his EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity Card) number -- a unique alphanumeric code printed on voter IDs -- but said the information was not on the Commission's online portal. EC sources, meanwhile, have claimed that CPI(ML) MP Sudama Prasad's wife has two EPIC. Sources have shared details of those EPIC cards. His party is a petitioner in the Supreme Court against SIR.
NDTV
02-08-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
A Fact-Check From Poll Body After Tejashwi Yadav's "Name Missing" Claim
New Delhi: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav today claimed that his name had been omitted from the state's draft electoral roll. The Election Commission of India (ECI), however, has firmly rebutted the claim, terming it "factually incorrect". Mr Yadav claimed that nearly 65 lakh voters have been removed from the state's draft electoral roll, ahead of assembly elections scheduled this year. The Election Commission yesterday released the draft voter list for Bihar, following a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. "My name is not there in the electoral roll. How will I contest the elections?" he asked. The poll body countered by saying that Mr Yadav's name does appear in the draft roll, listed at Serial Number 416. The row comes just days after the Election Commission was forced to respond to separate allegations of electoral manipulation made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Mr Yadav further attempted to verify his voter details using what he claimed was his Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number -- a unique alphanumeric code printed on voter IDs -- but allegedly failed to retrieve his information from the Election Commission's online portal. "Almost 20 to 30 thousand names have been removed from every assembly constituency. A total of around 65 lakh voters, or about 8.5% of the total, have had their names removed from the list. Whenever the Election Commission issued an advertisement, it would mention that many people had shifted, many were deceased, and many had duplicate names... But in the list provided to us by the Election Commission, they have cleverly not given the address of any voter, no booth number, and no EPIC number, so that we cannot find out whose names have been removed from the voter list," Mr Yadav claimed. According to Election Commission sources, the EPIC number Mr Yadav was quoting is invalid. Sources said that a preliminary verification suggests the possibility that Mr Yadav might be in possession of two different voter ID cards. The poll body has launched an investigation into Mr Yadav's claims, with sources adding that an FIR will be registered against the former deputy chief minister of Bihar if he is found to be in possession of two voter ID cards. The Tejashwi episode came less than 24 hours after a more explosive allegation from Rahul Gandhi, who accused the Election Commission of being complicit in "vote theft." "Votes are being stolen. We have open-and-shut proof that the Election Commission is involved in this vote theft. And I'm not saying this lightly, I'm speaking with 100% proof. And when we release it (proof), the entire country will come to know that the Election Commission is enabling vote theft. And who are they doing it for? They're doing it for the BJP," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Mr Gandhi claimed that the Congress had independently conducted a six-month-long investigation into voter list manipulation and found evidence amounting to an "atom bomb." "The things we found are an 'atom bomb'. And when this atom bomb explodes, you won't see the Election Commission in the country," Mr Gandhi said. "Whoever in the Election Commission is involved - from top to bottom - we will not spare you. This is no less than treason. Even if you are retired, we will find you." The Commission described Mr Gandhi's remarks as baseless and irresponsible. It said that both an email and a formal letter were sent to the Congress MP on June 12, inviting him to present evidence and discuss concerns about the electoral roll. According to the poll body, Mr Gandhi neither acknowledged the communication nor responded. "Despite the daily threats being given, we ask all election officials to ignore such irresponsible statements and work in a fair and transparent manner," the poll body said. "EC sends a mail to him 12 June 2025. He does not come. EC sends him a letter on 12 June 2025. He does not respond. He has never sent any letter to EC on any issue whatsoever. It is very strange that he is making wild allegations and has now even started threatening EC and its staff. Deplorable!"
The Hindu
28-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mass inclusion and not exclusion should be goal of Bihar SIR, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Monday (July 28, 2025) pushed harder for the Election Commission of India (ECI)) to accept Aadhaar and the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as identity documents in the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR), saying 'mass inclusion' and not 'en masse exclusion' should be the outcome of the exercise in the poll-bound State. With three more days left for the publication of the draft electoral roll on August 1, the ECI continued to resist the court's suggestion, saying Aadhaar, EPIC and ration cards could be forged easily. On July 10, the apex court had asked the Election Commission to consider these three documents to ward off the spectre of mass disenfranchisement even as petitioners, ranging from activists to political parties, called the SIR a 'citizenship screening'. Bihar SIR row hearing updates 'Any document on earth can be forged. Maybe one EPIC in a 1000 may not be genuine. That can be take up on a case-to-case basis… For that matter, any document on this earth can be forged,' Justice Surya Kant, accompanied by Justice Joymalya Bagchi, addressed the Election Commission (EC). Justice Kant said Aadhaar and EPIC have a 'presumption of correctness'. Aadhaar has a system of being authenticated when in use. EPIC was issued by the EC itself. 'So, proceed with Aadhaar and EPIC… Include these two documents in the list of 11,' Justice Kant said. Justice Bagchi reasoned that none of the 11 'indicative' documents acceptable as proof of identity were of a conclusive nature, be it residence or caste certificates. 'According to you none of these 11 documents are conclusive. They are just documents to accompany the enumeration forms. So if someone gives an Aadhaar card as proof of identity, why will you not evaluate the claim of the person to be in the electoral roll?' Justice Bagchi questioned the EC's logic. Senior advocates KK Venugopal and Rakesh Dwivedi appeared for the EC. The petitioners were represented by senior advocates like Kapil Sibal and Gopal Sankaranarayanan. The court, which rose early, said it would announce on July 29 an early date and a proper schedule for hearing the final arguments in the case. Mr. Sankaranaraynan alerted the Bench about the proximity of the date of publication of the draft roll, August 1. But Justice Kant was unperturbed, saying 'it was only a draft'. Noting that the petitioners had not insisted on any interim relief of the stay of the publication or a freeze on the SIR exercise, the judge assured the petitioners that publication of the draft roll would not shrink the powers of the court to overturn any decision of the EC, provided the petitioners prove their case. The senior lawyer said the publication of the draft roll would leave 4.5 crore people excluded from it rudderless. The burden would be transferred onto them to prove their identity and citizenship, file objections and even seek a review. At this point, Justice Bagchi drew the counsel's attention to the EC affidavit which stated that voters who were in the existing 2025 electoral roll of Bihar would feature in the draft roll to be published on August 1, provided they submitted their enumeration forms, with or without documents. The existing electoral roll was published in Bihar on January 7, 2015 after a special summary revision of the electoral roll. 'In substance, each elector included in the 2025 electoral roll shall form part of the draft roll merely on submission of the enumeration form,' the 88-page ECI affidavit had submitted. The electors who were unable to submit their enumeration forms with documents in time for the draft roll had another opportunity to be included in the final roll. 'This claims period is stipulated for another period of 31 days after publication of the draft roll, ie, till September 1, 2025,' the ECI clarified. The final roll would be published on September 30, 2025. 'Even after the publication of the final roll, new electors can be enrolled up to the last date of nominations of the forthcoming Bihar elections… Any apprehension of huge disenfranchisement is misleading and non-existent,' the ECI has assured. Further, the ECI said electors whose names already feature in the electoral roll of Bihar in 2003, when the last intensive revision was held, were exempted from furnishing documents to prove their eligibility. 'They are only required to file the partially pre-filled enumeration form along with the extract of the 2003 roll,' the affidavit had said.
