Aadhaar Added as 12th Document for Voter ID Proof, Says Election Commission

The Election Commission has announced that Aadhaar will now be accepted as the 12th document for establishing identity during voter-related processes. However, officials have clarified that Aadhaar can only serve as proof of identity and not as proof of citizenship or address. The clarification comes amid debates on linking Aadhaar with voter rolls, with the EC stressing that citizenship remains the key criterion for voting rights in India.

The EC’s decision aims to simplify voter verification, especially for citizens who may not possess other listed identity documents such as passports, driving licences, or ration cards. By including Aadhaar, the Commission seeks to reduce practical hurdles faced by many voters, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where Aadhaar has wider penetration.

At the same time, the EC has underlined that Aadhaar cannot be treated as a standalone proof of citizenship. This is crucial in preventing potential misuse, as only Indian citizens are eligible to vote. The distinction also addresses concerns raised by legal experts and opposition parties, who argue that Aadhaar was never designed as a document to determine nationality.

In states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other Tier-2 regions, the move could have a direct impact on easing voter registration processes. Many first-time voters and migrant workers find Aadhaar to be the most accessible form of ID, and its inclusion is expected to streamline their participation in elections.

The announcement reflects the EC’s balancing act between making voter registration more inclusive and maintaining strict safeguards on citizenship verification. For voters, it may not solve every challenge, but the addition of Aadhaar as an identity proof is another step toward making the electoral process simpler and more accessible.

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