Governor N.N. Vohra participated in the National Voters’ Day celebrations, organized by the State Election Department here today.
Greeting the people on the occasion of the 7th National Voters’ Day, Governor observed that India, the largest democracy in the world, is a remarkable example of democratic framework which is fully functional and as citizens of India we should proudly uphold the nation’s democratic values. He said that democracy becomes meaningful when all eligible voters participate in the polls and carefully choose their candidates with out coming under any kind of influence. He observed that the Pledge taken on this day is a valuable guide on how to become a responsible voter. Governor noted that for promoting awareness among the people, especially the newly registered young voters, the Voter’s Day should be used for spreading a better understanding of the democratic values. He urged the youth above 18 years to get registered as voters and meaningfully participate in the next elections to see that the State is run by an efficient government. He exhorted the voters to be particularly mindful, while casting their votes, why they are voting for a particular candidate. Noting that the Special Summary Revision-2017 of the electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir has resulted in over 1.95 lakh new voters being enrolled, the Governor expressed hope that all other eligible citizens in the State shall lose no further time in getting enrolled so that they become entitled to exercise their franchise at the forthcoming polls in the State.
Lauding the country’s democratic values the Governor observed that successive General Elections in India have always led to peaceful transfer of power. For this reason many countries look at India and seek its experience and expertise to strengthen their democratic institutions. Governor lauded the various school and colleges groups for presenting skits which sought to educate the audience about “The Vote and its Value”. He also congratulated the officers who were awarded for doing exemplary election related work.Participants were administered National Voters’ Day Pledge on the occasion. Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were distributed to the voters. Governor presented EPICs to about two dozen new voters and also released State Election Department’s Newsletter on the occasion.Mr. Shantmanu, Chief Electoral Officer, J&K while addressing the gathering highlighted the functioning of the Department, its achievements and future targets.The Key Note address was presented by Mr. Raman Kesar, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, and the Vote of Thanks was given by Mr. Simrandeep Singh, Deputy Commissioner Jammu.Among those present on the occasion were Dr. S.P. Vaid, DGP J&K, Mr. Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary Education.