ECI Approves 12 ID Cards for Voting in Bihar Elections 2025
ECI Approves 12 Alternative IDs for Voting, Ensures Privacy for Pardanashin Women
ECI Approves 12 Alternative IDs for Voting, Ensures Privacy for Pardanashin Women : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a major update for voters ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. In a press note dated October 7, 2025, the Commission announced that voters whose names are on the electoral roll but are unable to produce their Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will still be allowed to vote using any of 12 approved alternative photo identity documents.
This move is aimed at ensuring that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote smoothly, without being turned away due to the unavailability of a Voter ID card on polling day.
List of 12 Alternative Documents Allowed by the Election Commission
According to the official notification, the following documents will be accepted as valid identification at polling stations:
- Aadhaar Card
- MNREGA Job Card
- Photo Passbook issued by Bank or Post Office
- Health Insurance Smart Card (issued under the Ministry of Labour or Ayushman Bharat scheme)
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Smart Card issued by the Registrar General of India under the NPR
- Indian Passport
- Pension Document with Photograph
- Photo Identity Card issued to employees by Central/State Government, PSUs, or Public Limited Companies
- Official Identity Card issued to MPs, MLAs, or MLCs
- Unique Disability Identification (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
These documents will be accepted only if the voter’s name appears on the electoral roll, which remains a mandatory condition for casting a vote.
ECI Reinforces Its Commitment to Voter Inclusion
The Election Commission highlighted that under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Electoral Registration Rules, 1960, it is empowered to issue unique identity cards to voters to facilitate easy and secure identification.
The ECI also confirmed that Voter ID cards have already been issued to nearly 100% of voters in Bihar and the eight assembly constituencies where by-elections are being conducted. Additionally, the Commission has instructed all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to ensure that newly registered voters receive their voter ID cards within 15 days of the final publication of the electoral roll.
Special Arrangements for ‘Pardanashin’ (Veiled) Women
In a progressive move aimed at encouraging greater voter participation among women, especially those who observe purdah (veil), the Election Commission has directed polling stations to make special and dignified arrangements.
As per the ECI’s instructions, women polling officers and attendants will be present at polling booths to assist in the identification process of ‘Pardanashin’ women voters, ensuring their privacy, respect, and comfort while maintaining election integrity.
This inclusive step reinforces the ECI’s commitment to making the electoral process more accessible and respectful for women voters across social and cultural backgrounds.
Bihar Assembly Election Schedule and Voter Statistics
The Election Commission has also announced the official schedule for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Voting for the 243 assembly constituencies will be conducted in two phases — November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes scheduled for November 14.
According to the final voter list, Bihar currently has 74.2 million registered voters, compared to 78.9 million as of June 24, 2025. The latest revision saw the removal of 6.5 million ineligible voters, bringing the number down to 72.4 million in the draft list released on August 1, 2025.
Conclusion
The Election Commission’s decision to allow 12 alternative photo ID cards for voting is a progressive and inclusive step toward ensuring maximum voter participation in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Alongside special arrangements for ‘Pardanashin’ women, this move reflects the ECI’s continuous efforts to promote transparency, accessibility, and equality in India’s democratic process.
With these measures in place, the Election Commission is not only upholding the integrity of free and fair elections but also empowering every eligible voter — regardless of gender, background, or circumstance — to actively participate in shaping the state’s future.
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