In order to educate eligible voters for their participation in the electoral process, the District administration organized a day-long awareness programme under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) at Degree College Boys Anantnag today.Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Mr. Shantmanu was the Chief Guest on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the CEO highlighted the importance of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation, saying that its aim is to facilitate eligible voters for their registration and participation in the electoral process. He appealed people especially students, who have attained 18 years of age, to register themselves as eligible voter in the camps held every year by the district administration. He also appealed the registered voters to take part massively in the forthcoming bye-elections and elect the candidate of their choice. He said elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the convenience of oldage, women and specially abled persons polling booths for their convenience. Reach early to polling booths and use right to franchise, he advised young votes.
Urging upon the students for vigorously participating in the electoral process, Mr. Shantmanu said that it would go a long way in making the democratic setup stronger and more transparent, saying that right to franchise provides a chance to every registered voter to elect a representative of one’s choice. He stressed upon the district administration to encourage identification and registration of young voters by organizing more such awareness programmes and registration camps in schools and colleges of the district so that no eligible voter is left out to register as voter.The CEO appreciated the artists for performing programmes portraying the importance of voting and to encourage the voters to cast their votes.District Election Officer, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah also highlighted the importance of voting process and said that 102 polling stations with all the necessary facilities have been setup for the upcoming Bye-elections of the Anantnag Assembly constituency.During the programme, the students, local artists and representatives from NGOs presented various cultural items, skits and folk songs especially designed to aware the masses about the importance of ethical and informed voting.
The programme was attended by SSP Anantnag, Mr. Abdul Jabbar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Muhammad Younis Malik besides a large number of locals and students.