Voter I-cards made mandatory in Haryana

Those without ID cards would have to carry some other documentary evidence to prove their identity, according to a nine-page order issued here by the EC. Documentary proof could be a ration card, driving license, passport or an I-card issued by a PSU or private firm, property or tax documents, a bank or postoffice passbook, kisan pass books, electricity bills, chula tax bills or any other similar documents, the Commission said.

But in a social system skewed against women, there will be innumerable women who will be the worst victims, since most women, especially in the rural areas, possess none of the above pieces of documentaryproof.

The EC justifies its implementation of the order saying that almost 90 per cent of the 1.11 crore electorate in Haryana have been provided the electoral cards.

Those who have been issued the cards, but are unable to produce it on polling day would also be permitted to show other documentary evidence to establish their identity.

Next in line to enforce the electoral ID requirement would be Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Pondicherry, where Assembly polls are scheduled to be held early next year. The EC has directed electoral authorities in these states to complete the process of issuing ID cards well before the polls.

Aimed at curbing bogus voting and other electoral malpractices, making the photo ID card mandatory will contribute to ensuring a free and fair poll, since it would prevent impersonation by anyone else while casting the vote.

Photo ID cards have been issued to over 90 per cent of the electorate in 35 Assembly constituencies in Haryana. In two Assembly constituencies,Palwal and Ratia the percentage of the electorate that have been issued electoral ID cards exceeds 95 per cent.