The number of voters with valid EPIC in Bangalore has drastically come down against what it was three years ago. In 2004, around 75 per cent of total 38 lakh voters in Bangalore had valid EPIC. But the figure has dropped to just 25 per cent now, according to sources in the State Electoral Office.

This came to light after a door-to-door survey done recently as part of revision of voters’ list.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy has directed his colleagues here to take up EPIC campaign from February 7 for 50 days, and ensure all voters are equipped with EPIC by the time of elections.

This, in other words, means additional expenditure to issue EPIC to voters. Each EPIC card costs
Rs 15 for the EC.

Even more interesting is how such huge number of EPICs became invalid.

According to official sources, large number of cards have become invalid simply because card-holders have changed their residential address.

“Voters just fill in form 6 in the new area they move in and get their names registered in the voters’ list afresh for the new address. Thus, the EPIC of the previous address becomes invalid. Change of address by voters is one of the main reasons for large number of EPIC going waste,” officials explained.

But for entire mess-up on EPIC, the Election Commission itself is to be blamed. For it has apparently refused to learn from  past experience.

“Top officials in the Commission are very well aware the existing process to issue EPIC is erroneous and needs to be streamlined. But initiative is lacking,” sources pointed out.

A proposal to issue numbers to each EPIC has been pending before the Commissioner. It is also proposed to impose stringent rules to  submit form 6. 

When contacted, Bangalore urban district electoral officer Ramprasad said there is a proposal to issue permanent card to voters. “Unless it is done, the problem of EPIC turning invalid will continue,” he added.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Lakhs of electoral photo identity cards have become invalid in three years
* Voters changing residential address is the reason
*EC has no plans to give permanent EPIC