Jammu, January 25, (Scoop News)-To commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India and to enhance the participation of the voters, especially the youth, in the democratic electoral process, the ‘4rth National Voters’ Day’ (NVD) was celebrated at a function organized by Chief Electoral Office J&K at Police auditorium here today.
Chief Secretary, Mr Mohammad Iqbal Khandey who lit the ceremonial Lamp to commemorate the National Voters’ Day was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Chief Electoral Officer J&K Mr Umang Narula, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mr Ajit Kumar Sahu and officers from state administration and state election department besides various political party representatives, senior citizens and large number of young boys and girls participated in the event.
While extending his good wishes to the people of the state and Chief Election Officer J&K and entire election department team, Chief Secretary noted that the celebrations have contributed immensely 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 25th January 1950 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”, Chief Secretary said.
“The addition of over 3.5 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 adding that Jammu and Kashmir today has over 69 lakh total registered voters, who will be exercising their franchise, their right to vote in the upcoming elections to choose a government.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Electoral officer, Jammu and Kashmir Umang Narula informed that as many as 3.5 lakh new voters have been enrolled to the voters list and now the state has over 69 lakh registered voters, following the recently concluded Roll Revision exercise. He said that out of these 92 per cent of our voters have given their photographs and we will be providing new EPICs to all which will become standard card for a voter. He said that people can also visit our website www.ceojk.nic.in, with facility for online registration, online electoral Rolls, e-filling of claims for getting name added, to electoral rolls, deleted from electoral rolls and modifying the particulars of an elector.
Narula said people can also visit Khidmat centres for electronically filing applications, for addition or modification of the particulars. He said various SMS services for citizens for obtaining information regarding name, serial number (position) in electoral rolls, polling station, etc. is also available.
Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Ajit Kumar Sahu on the occasion informed that in the coming days awareness programme “wake up Jammu” will be launched to encourage all young eligible boys and girls to get enrolled and participate in the election process.
On the occasion, young artists of Natrang presented very creative and insightful skits highlighting the importance and power of each vote in democracy and how right use of vote can lead towards ensuring that best leaders are put in position of power and responsibility. The skits titled ‘Loktantr ka Mantr’ were written and Directed by eminent theatre Director Mr Balwant Thakur.
Chief Secretary presented special compliments to Mr Balwant Thakur, and the entire Natrang team for their intense and excellent performance in delivering the message on the National Voters’ Day to the audience.
On the occasion Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) were also distributed among scores of boys and girls who had attained the age of 18 years, thus becoming eligible for active participation in the democratic process.
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