Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The Election Commission of India has approved the Photo Voter ID Card (EPIC) as well as 12 other types of alternative ID cards for the upcoming Bhanupratappur assembly by-election on December 5. Voters who reach the polling station to cast their vote can exercise their identities by showing one of these identity cards.
The list of the ID cards that are allowed includes an Aadhaar card, MNREGA job card, passbook with photo issued by banks or post offices, health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labor, driving license, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR as alternative identity cards, Indian passport, pension document with photo, service identity card with photo issued by Central, State Government, Public Undertaking, Public Limited Companies to their employees, Government ID card issued to MPs, MLAs, Members of Legislative Council and Social Justice and Justice of Government of India and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by the Ministry of Empowerment.
Only the original passport (and no other identity document) will be recognized as proof of identity of overseas voters registered in the electoral roll.
In other news, in the midst of the Bhanupratappur by-election to be held in a few days, the police have arrested a fake note gang in Kondagaon. Police recovered 13 pieces of fake notes of Rs.500, Rs.200, 3 mobile phones, and a motorcycle from the possession of the accused. One of the accused is from Odisha and the other one is from the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. Police suspect that this fake note was to be used for the election purpose. At present, the police are interrogating the accused and investigating from different angles.