Aadhaar-linked voting system to be introduced in MC

GURGAON:The state election commission of Haryana is set to introduce an Aadhaar-linked voting system for the first time in the country in a specific municipal ward of Gurgaon.

Ward number 15, where this unique voting system is to be introduced, will be focus of the election this time.

All state machineries will be put in place to check voters and their Aadhaar details before they are allowed to vote.

This move by the state election commission is aimed at ensuring transparent voting with zero scope of impersonation and bogus voting.

The commission said residents produce PAN, driving licence, voter identity cards, ration card or passport before casting their votes.

Although these documents are accepted by polling officials as valid photo identity proof, they don’t entirely weed out the possibility of impersonation, the poll officials said.

“In the Aadhaar linked voting system, there is least scope of impersonation. Only a genuine voter can cast his/her vote in the Aadhaar-linked system. A voter will have to undergo iris and biometric test to prove he is a genuine voter,” Dalip Singh, state election commissioner, said.

He added that he held a meeting with the officials of Gurgaon administration in this regard on Friday.

After the meeting, the officials decided that the Ward No 15 is most suitable ward to roll out this unique system of voting. There are a total of 35 wards in the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).

Ward number 15 is home to an estimated 22,000 voters, the commission official said.

The state election commission has asked the district administration to conduct a survey on whether every individual voter holds an Aadhaar card.

“Our purpose is to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process. Ward number 15 has been selected for this purpose as the administration believes this ward has the maximum Aadhaar card holders,” Singh said.