To ensure smooth participation in the upcoming local body elections across Rajasthan, the State Election Commission in Jaipur has issued comprehensive voter identification guidelines for municipal and panchayat raj institutions. The commission clarified that eligible voters will not be denied their right to vote simply because they lack the original Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Individuals registered on the electoral roll can successfully cast their ballot by presenting any one of 11 approved alternative photo identification documents at their designated polling booth.
11 Valid Alternative Photo ID Documents
According to the directives issued by the State Election Commission of Rajasthan, election officials at polling stations will accept the following official photo-bearing documents as valid proof of identity if an original Voter ID card is unavailable
- MGNREGA / VB-G RAM G Card: Official job cards issued under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission Rural or MGNREGA.
- Photo Passbooks: Passbooks with photographs issued by recognized banks or post offices.
- Health Insurance Cards: Health insurance smart cards or Ayushman Bharat Health Cards issued under Ministry of Labour schemes.
- Official Employee IDs: Photo identity cards issued to staff members by Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or Public Limited Companies.
- Lawmaker Credentials: Official government photo identity cards issued to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
- UDID Cards: Unique Disability ID cards issued to persons with disabilities.
In addition to these, other specified photo identity cards approved under the state commission's list can also be utilized for identity verification at the voting center.
Essential Verification Guidelines and Family Provision
The State Election Commission has outlined strict rules governing the usage of alternative photo documents at polling centers. First, any alternative identity document presented must be active and within its designated validity period. Documents whose validity has lapsed or expired will not be accepted by election staff.
Second, the guidelines include a practical relief measure for families. If the head of a family possesses any one of the 11 valid photo identification documents, other family members identified and confirmed by the head of the family will be granted permission to vote.
Strict Penalties for Impersonation Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
To protect the integrity of the electoral process, the commission emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against fraudulent voting. Any individual attempting to cast a vote under someone else's name or present a false identity at a polling booth will face severe legal consequences. Proceedings against such offenders will be immediately initiated under Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The State Election Commission has urged all voters in Rajasthan to arrive at polling stations with at least one of these 11 authorized photo identification documents to exercise their franchise without hassle.
