The cartoon figure in the EC’s campaign named Anandababu will take phone calls from those who have no EPIC. The campaign will be launched on February 23.

With Kolkata far behind in the EPIC coverage, the EC has drawn up the plan to popularise its necessity for every voter. Chief Electoral Officer( CEO) Debasish Sen said at present only 90 per cent voters have photo identity cards. The commission has identified reasons behind the failure in reaching the target of 100 per cent.

“Many people do not know how to approach the election office for a new EPIC. The campaign will help people reach the centers where cards are being issued,” said Sen.

According to CEO’s office, earlier the commission had to depend on members of political parties to bring people to the EPIC issue camps, which was a faulty process because the parties often resisted the visit of opposition supporters to the centers.

“Do not approach any political party but call up Anandababu,” the campaign now says.

The EC has installed six telephone lines, which will be in operation from 11 am to 4 pm on weekdays. “An NGO has promised to help us in the campaign,” said Sen.

According to him, unlike residents of rural areas, Kolkatans do not know about the returning officers. Since most of the villagers have access to the block development offices, who play a vital role in enrollment of voters, rural areas have higher percentage of EPIC coverage.