No EPIC card? Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls accept 12 alternative IDs

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• Navi Mumbai civic polls to be held on January 15 from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
• 12 alternative ID proofs accepted if voters lack their EPIC card
• Paid leave mandated for employees to boost voter turnout

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As Navi Mumbai prepares to elect its civic body on Thursday, January 15, the municipal administration has moved to facilitate voter participation by clarifying that a range of identity documents, beyond the standard Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), will be accepted at polling stations.

Polling for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) will be conducted from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm across the city. While the EPIC remains the primary identification document, the State Election Commission has directed that voters without it can establish their identity using any one of 12 alternative proofs.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde confirmed the list of acceptable documents includes a passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence, PAN card or a photograph-bearing bank or post office passbook, FPJ reported.

Additionally, an MNREGA job card, a disability certificate with a photograph, pension documents, official identity cards issued to government employees, legislators and freedom fighters, as well as health insurance cards issued by the Union Labour Ministry will be permitted.

The civic chief, however, issued a stern warning against electoral malpractice, stating that strict legal action would be taken against any instances of impersonation or bogus voting in accordance with the election commission’s guidelines.

In a bid to boost turnout, the NMMC administration has instructed all establishments, industries, shops and commercial units within its jurisdiction to grant paid leave to their employees on polling day, as per existing government orders. This mandate aims to remove a potential barrier to participation and ensure a robust democratic exercise.

Appealing for a high voter turnout, Dr Shinde emphasised the importance of civic engagement. “Voters should preferably carry their photo voter ID card while coming to the polling station and responsibly exercise their constitutional right to vote for the development of Navi Mumbai,” he said, as reported by FPJ.

The NMMC has echoed this sentiment, urging all eligible voters to contribute to scityhaping the city’s future by casting their ballots in large numbers on Thursday.