Election Commission to review ration card as an identity proof

Mumbai, Apr 2 (ANI): Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has said that the poll panel would consider whether the ration card could be used as a valid identity proof during the upcoming national elections.

"This has been pointed out that ration card doesn't have a photograph and it is considered objectionable. We are reviewing it whether this should be an acceptable document or not," said Quraishi.

Although voter identity cards, bearing particulars and a photo of the individual, have been issued across the country, the Commission may review the decision in areas where the voter cards are yet to be issued.

Ration cards issued by the State Governments, bearing details of family members and which entitles a family to buy foodgrains and other essentials from state-run shops at subsidised rates, very often do not carry photographs.

Quraishi also said the Commission has decided to reduce by an hour the time of polling in areas hit by Maoists or Naxalite violence.

"In some Naxalite areas the poll time should be advanced because normally our timings are 7:00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m. across the state. But in Naxal areas, in many states, we have reduced it to 3:00 p.m.," he said.

Naxalites have been threatening people not to vote in different districts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The threat is spread right from the Nepal border to Tamil Nadu. (ANI)