In a major step to enhance voter convenience and ensure timely access to electoral services, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guarantee the delivery of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) within 15 days. This new system will be implemented for all fresh enrolments and updates made to the electoral rolls, including changes in elector details. The move is part of the Commission’s broader agenda to modernize and streamline electoral processes.
Spearheaded by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the initiative underscores the ECI’s commitment to citizen-centric governance. It also aligns with the Commission’s larger vision of leveraging technology for faster, transparent, and more accountable service delivery to voters across India.
A key feature of this SOP is the real-time tracking mechanism that will be embedded throughout the EPIC issuance and delivery process. From the moment the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) generates the EPIC to its final handover by the Department of Posts (DoP), electors will receive status updates through SMS notifications. This transparency ensures that electors remain informed and reassured at each stage.
To support this streamlined process, ECI has launched a new dedicated IT module on its recently rolled-out ECINet platform. This module is designed to replace the older workflow system, re-engineering the backend process for increased efficiency. Integration with DoP’s Application Programme Interface (API) further ensures seamless communication between the ECI and postal services, significantly reducing delays and minimizing human intervention.
The introduction of this SOP is the latest in a series of electoral reforms initiated by the ECI in the past few months. These reforms reflect the Commission’s proactive approach toward improving voter experience and ensuring that electoral services keep pace with evolving technological standards.
With a focus on timely, secure, and reliable EPIC delivery, the Election Commission continues to strengthen the democratic framework by making electoral participation more accessible and efficient. As India moves closer to the next election cycle, this initiative stands as a testament to the ECI’s resolve to empower every voter through innovation and responsiveness, for more details CLICK HERE
