In a move to enhance key digitalization initiatives and introduce several reforms related to Aadhaar, the Central government, along with the Unique Identification Authority of India, has extended the deadline for linking Aadhaar numbers with voter IDs to March 31, 2024. Previously, the last date for Aadhaar Integration with Voter IDs was April 1, just next month. The Ministry of Law and Justice, in a notification issued on March 21, made this announcement by amending a previous notification dated June 17, 2022. The amendment substituted the date “1st April 2023” with “31st March 2024.”
The authorization for linking Aadhaar with voter IDs was granted after the Union government passed the Election Laws (Amendment) in the Lok Sabha in December 2021. Users now have until March 31, 2024, to link their Aadhaar with their voter IDs, though this linking process remains non-mandatory. It primarily aids in relating cases where a person is registered in further than one constituency or multiple times within the same constituency, as stated by the Election Commission. also, to bolster data security in the realm of digital identification, Aadhaar, the Unique Identification Authority of India( UIDAI) has introduced a biometrics- groundedde-duplication process while tensing the registration and update procedures. Aadhaar2.0 has outlined a comprehensive roadmap that emphasizes resident- centricity, lesser application of Aadhaar, enhanced public trust in Aadhaar, the relinquishment of new technologies, and the elevation of being bones,along with expanding its transnational presence. UIDAI stated that several measures to enhance the Aadhaar System have been implemented in recent times.
In the latest biometrics-based deduplication process, biometric service providers (BSPs) are now incorporating facial images as an additional biometric attribute alongside the existing 10 fingerprints and two iris scans. The UIDAI has reported that this inclusion of facial authentication, coupled with a liveliness check, has led to an improved authentication success rate. The BSPs now possess the capability to detect instances of mixed biometrics from different individuals and identify the use of irregular biometric data for a single enrollment.
To bolster the Aadhaar update ecosystem and deter potential misuse by unscrupulous operators, GPS fencing has been integrated into the enrollment machines. Operators are now required to regularly verify the credentials of the enrollment machines with the UIDAI data center, and a limited number of enrollments per machine are permitted each day. With Aadhaar nearly achieving universal coverage, adult enrollments are now restricted to a select number of centers. Only trusted and verified operators from enrollment agencies are authorized to conduct new enrollments, and state governments have been enlisted to ensure the quality of all new adult enrollments.
A comprehensive and user-friendly list of supporting documents necessary for Aadhaar enrollment and updates has been officially provided. The UIDAI conducts routine inspections to identify any irregularities among operators and provides benching and retraining when necessary. Over the past year, approximately 1.2% of total operators have been suspended due to attempted fraudulent activities, with appropriate legal action taken in such cases.
Furthermore, the terms of engagement with registrars have been revised to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of registrars, enrollment agencies, and operators, aiming for improved compliance. A 100% quality check of documents submitted for Aadhaar enrollment/update has been enforced to further enhance resident verification before the issuance of Aadhaar numbers.
The Vision for Aadhaar Integration with Voter IDs:
The vision for Aadhaar integration with voter IDs is a comprehensive plan to revolutionize India’s electoral system. It has several key components:
- Streamlined Registration: The integration aims to simplify voter registration by combining Aadhaar and voter ID functions. This eliminates the need for citizens to register separately for both, reducing administrative complexities.
- Enhanced Security: Biometric authentication through Aadhaar adds a robust layer of security to the voting process. Voters will need to authenticate their identity using biometric data, making it significantly more challenging for fraudulent voting or multiple registrations.
- Remote Voting: The vision extends to remote voting possibilities, enabling citizens to vote securely from anywhere. This could be a game-changer for Indian expatriates and could significantly boost voter turnout.
- Challenges Addressed: The plan recognizes and addresses challenges, including data privacy and inclusivity concerns. Stringent regulations and outreach initiatives are part of the strategy.
- The Road to 2024: Achieving this vision involves extensive enrollment, building technology infrastructure, and implementing stringent data security measures.
- Impact: Successful implementation promises enhanced electoral integrity, increased voter turnout, and more efficient administration.
Process of online Aadhaar card linkage with a voter ID:
Step 1: Go to the sanctioned website of the National Voter’s Service Portal( NVSP) by visiting this link.
Step 2:Subscribe to your account on the gate.
Step 3: Select the “Search in Electoral Roll” option.
Step 4: Provide the required details and enter your Aadhaar number.
Step 5: You will receive an OTP (one-time password) on your registered mobile number or email to facilitate the authentication process.
Step 6: Enter the OTP received. This action will complete the linkage of your voter ID card with your Aadhaar card.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Ques: What is Aadhaar integration with Voter IDs, and why is it happening by 2024?
Ans: Aadhaar integration with Voter IDs refers to the process of linking an individual’s Aadhaar number with their Voter ID card. It is being done to enhance the accuracy and authenticity of voter information and is scheduled for completion by 2024.
Ques: Is linking Aadhaar with Voter ID mandatory?
Ans: No, it is currently a voluntary process, and individuals are not obligated to link their Aadhaar with their Voter ID.
Ques: What are the benefits of linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs?
Ans: Benefits include improved voter verification, reduction in duplicate or fraudulent voter registrations, enhanced electoral transparency, and efficient management of voter rolls.
Ques: How can I link my Aadhaar with my Voter ID online?
Ans: You can typically link your Aadhaar with your Voter ID through the official website of the National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP). Comprehensive guidelines can be found on the portal.
Ques: What if I don’t link my Aadhaar with my Voter ID by the specified deadline?
Ans: As of now, there are no adverse consequences for not linking Aadhaar with your Voter ID, as it is a voluntary process.
Ques: What happens if there are discrepancies in my Aadhaar or Voter ID information?
Ans: In case of discrepancies, you should contact the relevant authorities or use the correction processes provided by Aadhaar or the Election Commission to update your information.
Conclusion:
The future of voting in India holds the pledge of lesser delicacy, translucency, and effectiveness through the integration of Aadhaar with voter IDs by 2024. While this action is presently voluntary, it has the implicit to significantly enhance the electoral process by reducing duplication and increasing the authenticity of namer information. It’s essential to cover the perpetration of this integration to address sequestration and data security enterprises adequately. As the government continues to modernize and digitize the electoral system, citizens should stay informed about the evolving geography of voting procedures and laboriously engage with the process to ensure a robust and inclusive republic.