TNN | Aug 26, 2016, 07.30 AM IST
Nashik: The Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), apart from Aadhaar Card, acts as a general identity card for every individual in the country. But for some reason, the district's deputy election office has delayed in handing out these cards to the electors in Nashik.
On the other hand, citizens in other parts of the state have already received the plastic EPIC, as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
"Many of my acquaintances from Ahmednagar district have already got the EPIC, which forms a firm proof of identity for a person. Why are we in Nashik being denied the facility?" asked Swanand Kulkarni of Krishinagar.
Aadhaar and EPIC are the two proofs the government insists on while transferring a subsidy or for casting one's vote. "PAN card is optional, and not everyone may have a driver's licence. In such a scenario, Aadhaar and EPIC form the identity of an individual. Currently we have been given the laminated, black & white photocopy of EPIC. But it is difficult to making its photocopies for submitting as identity proof," said Vinayak More, another resident.
According to a senior officer from the district education officer, the system is in place for carrying out the final prints of the plastic cards, but there were some technical glitches that delayed the process. "The process will be finalized in a week. There are some technical issues that need to be addressed. Any elector who wants the card can approach the consumer facilitation centre or the Maha-e-seva Kendra to get the prints," the officer said.