ECI Launches New SOP to Deliver EPICs Within 15 Days.
National
On 18 June 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) ensuring Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) reach voters within 15 days of any new registration or electoral roll update. This marks a major upgrade in voter-centric services.
- Under the new SOP, both newly registered voters and those updating their details will receive their EPIC within 15 days, significantly reducing the previous waiting period of over a month.
- Each stage—from generation by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to final delivery by India Post—is tracked in real time, with voters receiving timely SMS alerts at every step to ensure transparency.
- ECI has launched a specialized IT module within its advanced ECINet platform, which is now seamlessly integrated with the Department of Posts’ (DoP) Application Programming Interface (API). This integration streamlines the entire EPIC delivery process through automated workflows, enhances real-time tracking capabilities, and ensures greater data security, accuracy, and integrity across all stages of voter card issuance.
Main Point :- (i) The new SOP strengthens integration between the Election Commission’s ECINet platform and the India Post system by enabling real-time data exchange through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This ensures that delivery updates of Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) are instantly shared, creating a seamless and efficient nationwide tracking and distribution network.
(ii) This fast-track system reflects Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s push for “citizen-first” electoral services. The aim is to boost voter satisfaction, reduce administrative delays, and promote accountable electoral governance.
(iii) This SOP follows earlier ECI reforms like addressing duplicate EPIC numbers and better EVM verification procedures. Alongside these, the 15-day delivery promise is part of a broader push to modernize and digitize the electoral ecosystem.
About the Election Commission of India (ECI)
Established : 1950
Chief Election Commissioner: Gyanesh Kumar
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