NID applications to be cancelled automatically if biometrics not given in time: Election Commission decision

The Election Commission (EC) has decided that if biometric information is not provided within a set time after applying online for a National Identity Card (NID) or for new voter registration, the application will be cancelled automatically. Once the new rule takes effect, there will no longer be scope to leave an application hanging for months after only applying online.

The initiative has been taken to end the practice of keeping applications pending for a long time without giving a photograph, fingerprints and iris information. No application can be finally completed without biometric data; yet many applicants stop after submitting the online form, so those applications keep piling up awaiting disposal.

The decision was taken recently at the Election Commission's monthly coordination meeting. Instructions have also been given to take the necessary technical measures to implement the decision, so that incomplete applications that pass the set deadline can be identified and cancelled within the system itself.

According to EC sources, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has given written instructions on the matter to the system manager of the EC Secretariat. In other words, the decision is now at the stage of technical preparation for implementation.

Under the instructions, after applying online for new voter registration or NID correction, the applicant must go to the relevant election office or designated centre within the set time and provide biometric information. If that is not done, the application will be cancelled automatically once the specified period passes.

Notably, the rule will apply not only to new voter registration but also to applications for NID correction. As a result, those who have applied online to correct information on their identity cards will also have to complete the biometric process at a centre within the set time.

EC officials say that once this system takes effect, the pressure of applications pending disposal for a long time will ease. At the same time, the tendency to keep applications hanging without providing the necessary information will stop, which will help reduce the workload of election offices.

The process will also become clearer for applicants. If they know within how many days of the online application the biometrics must be given, needless hassle over cancelled applications can be avoided. However, sources say detailed instructions on exactly how long the deadline will be are expected to be announced along with the technical implementation.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has also taken an initiative to remove old voter registration documents. It has been decided to remove the paper copies of voter registration Form-2, scanned and uploaded to the server and preserved at district and upazila election offices since 2012, along with unnecessary materials kept in office warehouses.

Paper copies of documents already scanned and uploaded to the server had been piling up in offices and warehouses for years, creating pressure on both space and management. The Commission believes removing them will lighten the preservation system of the offices.

Taken together, bringing discipline to the application process and reducing the burden of old documents are both part of the Election Commission's effort to make its service management tidier. After the new rule takes effect, those who apply online will have to apply keeping in mind the requirement to give biometrics within the set time.