Election card new updates

1. Fast‑track delivery for voter ID cards
A new ECI SOP mandates that updated Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) must be delivered within 15 days after changes in the voter rolls—helping millions receive their IDs much more quickly.

2. FIR against media during Ludhiana by‑poll
Ahead of the Ludhiana West by‑election (polling June 19), FIRs have been filed against digital portals allegedly breaching the 48‑hour pre-poll silence by publishing opinion polls.

3. Ludhiana West by‑poll underway
On June 19, around 175,000 voters across 194 polling stations are electing from 14 candidates. The ECI has deployed polling parties and special arrangements—including facilities for women, PWDs, and remote booths—to ensure smooth voting.

4. Complaints allege freebies distribution
The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal accuse the AAP of distributing freebies (ration, electronics, liquor, cash) to sway voters in Ludhiana—a matter now under ECI monitoring.

5. “Paid news” complaint filed
Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu has lodged a formal complaint with the ECI and MCMC over fake opinion polls and paid news coverage favoring the AAP in Ludhiana West.

6. Trinamool raises transparency concerns
The Trinamool Congress has written to the ECI questioning why a Gujarat-based firm was awarded the webcasting tender for the Kaliganj polls, citing concerns over fair selection.

7. Green Booths & remote polling
In Visavadar (June 19 by‑poll), ECI has set up 29 eco-friendly “Green Booths” and a remote voting station in Gir forest. Special provisions like video documentation ensure greater access.

8. ERO training in UP underway
Training has begun for Uttar Pradesh’s Electoral Registration Officers with emphasis on accurate rolls, gender representation, enrolling new voters, and procedural transparency.

9. Auto‑removal of deceased voters
The ECI is rolling out an automated mechanism to remove deceased individuals from voter rolls using integrated death data from the Registrar General. Experts stress the need for verification to avoid errors.

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🔍 Summary & Implications

• ECI is speeding up voter services and enhancing electoral roll accuracy.

• Multiple enforcement actions (FIRs, complaints) reflect efforts to uphold election integrity, especially during by‑polls.

• New initiatives—eco‑friendly booths, remote voting options, auto-roll updates—underscore ECI’s commitment to inclusivity and modernization.