Handbook for Electoral Registration Officers - Election Commission ...

11. This digital image data of the elector is then merged with the elector details of thecorresponding elector in the electoral roll database. If not already available(normally one will have to be a registered elector before being entitled for EPIC, butin some fresh cases the two processes could be simultaneous), the elector details isalso captured in the electoral roll database. It has been directed by the Commissionthat the photograph and other EPIC details shall be stored in the same database asthat of the electoral rolls.12. The process of merging of EPIC details with the elector database and generation ofEPICs can be done either at the DPLs or centrally ( for assembly constituency ordistrict). The important point to be kept in mind is that the EPIC numbers for everyelector need to be unique. For EPICs that are replacement of earlier issued EPICs,the old EPIC number should only be used. For EPICs that are being newly issued,EPIC number needs to be generated using the FUSN code of the AssemblyConstituency in which the elector is currently enrolled. While FUSN ensuresuniqueness across constituencies, within a constituency the uniqueness has to beensured by ensuring that the seven digit number is unique for every elector.13. Therefore, the software for EPIC preparation should be such that it keeps track ofEPIC numbers under which EPICs have been issued and the EPIC number onceutilized, are not used again. When the EPICs are issued from DPL, every DPLshould be issued with a block of 1000 EPIC numbers and they should issue EPICwithin this block only. Once a block is exhausted, another block should be allottedand DPL should never cross their block to issue EPICs with numbers not allotted tothem because it will result in issue of more than one EPIC with same number. If aDPL has some unused numbers, care should be taken to use them in some otherDPL. It should be kept in mind that these arrangements are made to ensureuniqueness and avoid wastage of EPIC Numbers. The EPIC number, so issued isdisplayed on both side of the EPIC as shown in the format.14. Proper accounting of EPIC numbers is crucial and, in cases where EPIC numbers arebeing given from multiple locations, there is a risk of multiple EPICs bearing samenumber. It may happen that while an EPIC with a particular number has been issuedin a DPL, due to improper accounting of EPIC number (and blocks of EPICnumbers) an EPIC with same number is issued from another DPL or the DEO’soffice. The consequence may be that, since the link between the elector and hisphotograph is through the EPIC number, in the photo electoral rolls, samephotograph would come for all electors who have same EPIC numbers.15. The reverse side of EPIC has the address of the elector as provided by him after dueverification. This is followed by a facsimile signature and designation of the EROissuing the ERO. The facsimile stamp of the ERO is a critical instrument that shouldbe kept in custody of the ERO.16. The EPIC so prepared is laminated and handed over to the elector. It has to beensured that the EPIC is handed over to the same elector who’s EPIC it is and proper74