Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) scan on illegal migrants
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 14 2012:
With the work of affixing photographs on the Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) completed by 99.95 per cent for all the districts of Manipur barring Churachandpur, the State Government has assured to investigate if any EPIC was issued to illegal immigrants.
This was stated by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PC Lawmkunga after opening a campaign on Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) in the conference hall of CEO office, Lamphelpat today.
The CEO exuded confidence that the work of affixing photographs can be completed 100 per cent before the end of this month.
So far, 97.03 per cent of EPICs have been prepared and issued to voters.
Only 868 photographs are left for affixing on EPICs for voters of Churachandpur district.
The SVEEP opened today under instruction of the Election Commission of India is aimed at making all citizens judicious voters.
The State has 17,45,581 voters and their details were checked by using computer software known as Picassa for each and every Assembly Constituency.
Altogether 7300 duplicate names (of voters) were detected during checking and they have been duly deleted from the electoral roll.
The campaign which was also held before the last Assembly election was yielding good results, and many voters were seen casting their votes sincerely based on their own judgement.
Inclusion of one's name in the electoral roll is undeniable proof of being an Indian citizen, asserted the CEO.
Once the preparation of EPICs is completed 100 per cent, only EPICs would be used as valid identity cards of each and every citizen.
Just as people of Mizoram cannot enjoy benefits of Government schemes without EPICs, the Government of Manipur may introduce similar system in the State.
To a query about illegal immigrants possessing voter identity cards, the CEO stated that due investigation would be launched if any illegal migrant is found possessing voter identity cards.
Earlier, the CEO opened the SVEEP campaign by releasing a balloon in presence of District Election Officers and election officials.
The campaign is being organised for the special summary electoral roll revision which would be published by taking January 1, 2011 as the qualifying date.