Defence
The Election Commission began the use of Electors' Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) in:
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)View answer ▾Hide ▴
Answer: Option B — 1993
Detailed Solution
The Election Commission of India introduced Electors' Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) in 1993, under Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls and prevent impersonation at polling stations.
Why EPIC was introduced:
- There were many cases of bogus voting and impersonation in elections.
- A photo identity card would help polling officials verify the identity of voters.
Legal basis:
The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 were amended to provide for photo identity cards.
T.N. Seshan's role:
T.N. Seshan, Chief Election Commissioner from 1990 to 1996, insisted on photo identity cards.
He even threatened to postpone elections in states that did not complete the EPIC work.
He is remembered for strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws.
Use of EPIC:
- EPIC is the main document for identifying voters at polling stations.
- Voters without EPIC can also use other approved documents, such as a passport, driving licence, PAN card or Aadhaar card.
- EPIC is also widely used as a proof of identity and address.
e-EPIC:
In 2021, the Election Commission launched e-EPIC, a digital version of the voter ID card, that can be downloaded.
Linking with Aadhaar:
The Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 allowed voluntary linking of Aadhaar with electoral rolls to remove duplicate entries.
Photo electoral rolls:
Electoral rolls now carry the photographs of voters, which further helps prevent impersonation.
National Voters' Day:
25 January, the foundation day of the Election Commission, is celebrated as National Voters' Day since 2011.
Why not the other options?
- ✗1984, 1989 and 2004 do not match the year EPIC was introduced; 2004 is the first general election held entirely with EVMs.
Quick tip
Remember: EPIC (voter ID card) introduced in 1993 under T.N. Seshan; e-EPIC launched in 2021.
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Miscellaneous GK — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Miscellaneous GK, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic collects general knowledge questions that do not fit neatly into a single category, such as national symbols, famous nicknames of places, important events, entertainment, and facts that cut across history, geography and culture. Because these questions come from many areas, the best preparation is broad revision and regular practice. Read each explanation carefully, since it often includes a related fact that is tested in a different form. Keep a notebook of facts you get wrong and revise it before the exam. Practise the miscellaneous GK questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.