Linking of Aadhaar with Voter IDs

Source: This post on Linking of Aadhaar with Voter IDs has been created based on  Should voter ID be linked with Aadhaar to combat voter fraud? published in The Hindu on 3rd January 2025.  

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS -2- Polity 

Context: The article discusses the debate surrounding the linkage of Aadhaar with voter ID cards in India, particularly in the context of combating voter fraud and ensuring electoral transparency.

Can linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs eliminate duplicate voter registrations?

1. UIDAI was created to assign unique IDs, which could be merged with voter data to identify duplicates caused by factors like migration or address changes.
2. Aadhaar assigns a unique identity number and enables real-time authentication, preventing individuals from having multiple voter IDs.

Does Aadhaar’s lack of citizenship proof hinder its role in elections?

1. Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship. The Election Commission of India (ECI) must confirm citizenship. However, linking Aadhaar can still help identify duplicate registrations.
2. The ECI must ensure that voters meet the eligibility criteria. Aadhaar helps authenticate individuals but does not validate citizenship.

Are there privacy or security risks in linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs?

1. Voter ID data includes public information, so privacy concerns are minimal. However, linking Aadhaar might inadvertently expose phone numbers if they are shared voluntarily.
2. Aadhaar data, including biometrics, is secure and offline. Sharing a phone number is optional and used only for convenience, not embedded in the voter database.

How does linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs address issues like missing voters?

1. Missing voters remain a challenge due to errors or deliberate actions by officials.
2. Linking Aadhaar can reduce duplication but not entirely prevent missing names caused by human errors or malpractices.

Does Aadhaar ensure transparency in electoral rolls amidst political tensions?

1. Linking Aadhaar can address duplication but cannot resolve all issues. Voter roll manipulation, including fraudulent deletions and booth capturing, still requires stricter ECI oversight.
2. Aadhaar resolves duplication but cannot address problems rooted in human dishonesty or system flaws. Transparency also depends on the integrity and impartiality of officials.

What about concerns raised by activists over the right to privacy?

1. Linking Aadhaar with voter IDs does not violate privacy. The Aadhaar system is designed to maintain data security and confidentiality.
2. While there are concerns about misuse of contact details, these are optional and not inherently linked to voter ID functionality.

What was the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP)?

1. NERPAP, started in 2015, aimed to clean up electoral rolls using Aadhaar.
2. However, issues like missing voters persisted in 2018, highlighting challenges in maintaining accurate and complete voter rolls.

Can Aadhaar-linked voter IDs eliminate all electoral fraud?

1. While Aadhaar can prevent duplication, other forms of electoral fraud require systemic improvements and accountability from current ECI officials.
2. Aadhaar is a technological tool that solves specific issues like duplicate IDs but cannot address broader electoral challenges tied to human conduct.