CHENNAI: Distribution of PVC Colour Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) began in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday with three voters receiving them from Kancheepuram Collector K Bhaskaran.
In Kancheepuram, 1,23,812 voters are set to receive these cards in due course. Across the State, 14 lakh voters who have been enrolled after the publication of the final rolls early this year will also be issued the PVC cards in the first phase. Those who apply hereafter will also be given these cards. These cards will be distributed through the Booth Level Officers concerned.
Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar told media that the PVC cards have been sent to Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts, and the distribution will begin in Chennai district within a day or two.
The PVC cards have some security features including a hologram with coded details of the voter, to prevent duplication and forgery.
Tripura was the first State to introduce the PVC cards on November 30, 2013. Following this, PVC cards were issued to voters in certain pockets of the country, including in AP and Assam.
The ECI had started the scheme — issuing photo identity cards to the voters in the year 1993 — with an aim to ensure easy identification of the electors. In view of the major advances in technology in the last 12 years, the ECI has issued fresh directions to ensure better quality cards with better security features. Now, the EPIC for the voters be printed on PVC sheet with prescribed specifications.