National Voters’ day celebrated, 5 lakh new voters added

JAMMU, JANUARY 25:- To commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India and to enhance the participation of voters, especially the youth, the ‘Fifth National Voters’ Day’ (NVD) with theme “Easy Registration, Easy Correction’’ was celebrated here today.
The function was organized by Chief Electoral Office J&K.
Principal Secretary, Planning & Development Mr. B. R. Sharma who lit the traditional Lamp was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Mr. Shantmanu, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr Ajit Kumar Sahu and officers from state administration and state election department besides senior citizens and large number of young boys and girls were present on the occasion.
Extending his good wishes to the people of the state and Election Department team, Mr. Sharma noted that such initiatives have contributed positively to the creation of awareness about the responsibilities cast on all stakeholders for effective and meaningful participation in the electoral process.
“Setting up of the Election Commission of India on this day was indeed a landmark chapter in the history of free India, a step which facilitated peaceful, orderly and democratic transfer of power through delivery of free, fair and credible elections to the people”, the Principal Secretary said.
“The addition of over 5 lakh new voters who turned 18 during last year, to the list of registered voters reflects the success of ‘Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation’ SVEEP campaign” he said. He appreciated the efforts of DEO Jammu and his team for taking up newer initiatives like the ‘Wake up Jammu’’ campaign, SMS service, etc. that have shown to have immense influence on the voter turnout in the recently held elections.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Ajit Kumar Sahu informed that under the directions of the ECI many new innovations have been introduced like SVEEP, expenditure management & control system, SMS Service, etc. He congratulated the election machinery for having smoothly conducting recent elections in the State.
Making special reference to Jammu Election Services, a novel idea mooted by the Jammu district administration, he said that it was a single window platform exclusively carried out in Jammu and was widely appreciated during the elections. He said that ‘Wake up Jammu’ Campaign was developed like a brand and was of immense help in increasing voter awareness’. He thanked and congratulated all the officers including BLOs and various organizations that contributed in the smooth conduct of elections.
Earlier on the occasion, Consultant Election Department, Mr. Harcharan Singh in his welcome address informed that 5 lakh new voters have been enrolled to the voters list and now the state has over 72 lakh registered voters. He said that photo coverage has increased to 94 per cent and EPIC percentage to 91 per cent.
On the occasion State Awards 2015 for Best Electoral Practices were also presented.
Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, District Election Officer, Jammu was presented the award for innovation in the field of Voters Education and Electoral participation, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, District Election Officer, Baramulla was awarded for voters Education and Electoral participation, Mr. Mohammad Aijaz, Electoral Registration Officer Khan-Sahib was awarded for Electoral Roll Management and SVEEP activities, Mr. Ashwani Kumar Khajuria, Electoral Registration Officer Gool Arnas was awarded for electoral Roll Management and Booth Level Officers from Bandipora, Jammu, Samba and Reasi were also awarded. Two Special awards were also given away to NIC Team J&K and 14th Corps of the Indian Army Leh.
Later on prizes among the winners of the photo competition were also distributed in which Information department bagged the second prize which was collected by Deputy Director (AV), Mr. Wasim Raja.
Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) were distributed among boys and girls who had attained the age of 18 years, thus becoming eligible for their right to vote and participate in the democratic process.
Students of Government women’s College Jammu presented a very insightful skit and dance highlighting the importance of electoral process and the right to choose leaders and how valuable casting of vote becomes towards ensuring that best leaders are put in position of power and responsibility.