Duplication in EPIC numbers to be rectified within three months: ECI

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India on Friday announced that it would address the decade long issue of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card numbers within next three months. The ECI has decided on this in the wake of criticism from Opposition parties, including the Congress and the TMC, as it also claimed that it has already taken cognizance of the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers. Sample inquiry of over 100 electors reveals that electors with duplicate EPIC numbers are genuine electors,” the ECI said in a statement. “The issue of allotment of duplicate numbers due to incorrect series across States/UTs could not have been detected as the States/UTs were independently managing the electoral roll databases,” it informed.