Chief Electoral Officer Mr Shantmanu today launched the Draft Publication of Electoral Roll for the Special Summary Revision 2017 here at a function held in Government College for Woman (GCW) Parade.The programme was organized as part of the Election Commission of India’s “No Voter to Be Left Behind” campaign.Speaking at the inaugural function, Mr Shantmanu said that the main aim of this programme is to disseminate information to the public and encourage young voters to participate in the democratic process.He said that the process would facilitate all eligible citizens - including new and left out voters to register for the electoral roll.The CEO informed that as part of this campaign, special awareness camps will be organized at all polling station in Jammu on October 15 and 22, 2016.The CEO urged upon the young students, especially girls to actively participate in this process to reduce the gender gap in the state electoral rolls.He said that young students are the most important stakeholders in the democratic set-up. “It is important that the youth understand their responsibility and make an informed choice while voting. They need to be politically aware so that they elect a representative that doesn’t give them reason to protest. It is the youth who will make a difference and it starts with you. Remember your vote is your voice” he asserted.
During the programme, detailed information was provided to the participants regarding process for registering in the electoral roll, the impact of individual votes in a democratic setup, the need and importance of every individual, especially youth to take active interest and part in the election process.The people were also made aware about different forms and their uses including Form 6 (For registration of new voters), Form 7 (For deletion of entry in the Photo Electoral Roll), Form 8 (For Modification) and Form 8A (For transposition from one place to another).The information was disseminated by means of Audio Video presentations, lectures and one on one interaction. Live demonstration for the use of Electronic Voting Machines was also held were students from the college participated in the demo voting process.It was informed in the programme that the final electoral roll will be completed by January 10, 2017.Any person, who will attain 18 years of age on 1-1-2017can apply for his registration in the electoral roll.Joint CEO, Raman Kumar Keser, Deputy CEO Krishan Lal, Principal GCW Parade Aruna Dubey, Dy DEO along with other senior officers from the department, representatives of the political parties and a large number of students were present for the inaugural function.