Answer

Linking Voter ID with Aadhaar, enabled under the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, aims to combat issues like duplicate and bogus voting, enhancing the integrity of the electoral process. Reports such as the Election Commission of India’s 2022 Digital Voter Initiative highlight the potential of this linkage to streamline electoral rolls and improve transparency. However, concerns about data security, voter disenfranchisement, and privacy breaches demand careful consideration to ensure fairness.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Potential of Linking Voter ID with Aadhaar in Eliminating Electoral Malpractices

• Elimination of Duplicate and Bogus Voters: Aadhaar linkage can help identify and remove duplicate or fake entries, ensuring that each individual has only one vote.
• Reduction in Impersonation: Biometric authentication in Aadhaar can deter impersonation and fraudulent voting, enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.
  For example: Telangana’s 2021 municipal elections saw biometric verification curb impersonation significantly, improving trust in results.
• Real-Time Updates to Electoral Rolls: Aadhaar integration enables dynamic updates, reflecting migration or demographic changes, reducing manual errors in voter lists.
  For example: Andhra Pradesh implemented real-time voter roll updates, addressing discrepancies in urban areas with high migration rates.
• Enhanced Voter Convenience: Simplified identification using Aadhaar ensures seamless voting, reducing errors and delays during the voting process.
  For example: Maharashtra introduced Aadhaar-enabled voter registration kiosks, leading to faster and smoother voter identification in urban polling stations.
• Cost Efficiency in Election Management: Accurate voter databases reduce administrative costs of roll management and voter verification, streamlining election processes.

Risks of Linking Voter ID with Aadhaar in Context of Voter Privacy and Fairness

• Threat to Privacy and Data Security: Linking exposes voter data to potential breaches due to weak data protection mechanisms, risking misuse of sensitive information.
  For example: A breach of Aadhaar data in 2018 exposed private details of millions of Indians, raising concerns over electoral security.
• Exclusion of Marginalized Communities: Rural and tribal populations may lack Aadhaar or face accessibility challenges, leading to disenfranchisement and systemic inequities.
  For example: In Jharkhand (2019), Aadhaar-linked exclusions caused eligible voters to miss elections due to lack of biometric updates.
• Legal and Constitutional Challenges: Aadhaar’s mandatory use for voting rights may conflict with constitutional rights, inviting judicial scrutiny and delays in implementation.
  For example: The Supreme Court’s 2018 Aadhaar judgment restricted its mandatory use to welfare schemes, barring other applications.
• Vulnerability of Biometric Systems: Faulty or failed biometric authentication could result in genuine voters being denied their rights, impacting democratic participation.
  For example: Rajasthan witnessed 8% failure rates in Aadhaar-based public services, raising concerns about voter exclusions.
• Risk of Political Misuse: Linking Aadhaar may enable voter profiling and targeted exploitation, potentially undermining free and fair elections.
  For example: Allegations in 2019 accused political parties of using Aadhaar data for micro-targeting voters, affecting electoral integrity.

Safeguards to Ensure Fairness and Protect Voter Privacy in Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage

• Robust Data Protection Framework: Enact a comprehensive data protection law to secure voter information, ensuring accountability for breaches and misuse.
  For example: The Personal Data Protection Bill, if implemented, could define strict guidelines for handling sensitive voter data.
• Optional and Inclusive Verification: Ensure Aadhaar linkage is optional, with alternative identification methods to prevent exclusion of marginalized groups.
  For example: Rural voters in Bihar were allowed manual verification during pilot programs, reducing disenfranchisement risks.
• Decentralized Data Storage: Use decentralized databases with encryption to minimize vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of large-scale data breaches.
  For example: Estonia’s electoral system secures voter data with blockchain technology, ensuring tamper-proof records.
• Independent Audits and Oversight: Conduct regular audits by independent agencies to assess the system’s fairness, transparency, and effectiveness.
  For example: The Election Commission of India could involve third-party auditors to review Aadhaar-linked processes periodically.
• Strict Legal Provisions Against Misuse: Enforce stringent penalties for unauthorized access or political exploitation of voter data to uphold fairness.
  For example: Singapore imposes heavy fines and criminal charges for unauthorized access to national identification data.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

While linking Voter ID with Aadhaar has significant potential to reduce electoral malpractices, it must be implemented with robust safeguards. Measures such as encrypted data storage, independent oversight, and adherence to the Personal Data Protection Act, 2019 can ensure privacy and prevent misuse.A balanced approach that integrates transparency with fairness will uphold democratic values while addressing electoral challenges.

DOWNLOAD PDF