Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma today called upon youngsters to exercise their franchise judiciously for strengthening the democracy at the grass root level.Addressing the gathering here at the local HMV college during a function to commemorate National Voters Day today, the Deputy Commissioner accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner (D) Mr Kulwant Singh, said that maximum participation of voters in democratic process was the key for formation of a good government.Mr Sharma said that thrust must be laid on sensitizing the people, especially the youngsters, about the need for exercising their franchise by rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed or sex. Mr. Sharma categorically said that strengthening democracy at grass root level was a mammoth task and youth must contribute enormously in this national service.The Deputy Commissioner said that foolproof voter lists were the very basis of democratic process and were in fact criteria for assessing the performance of a democratic nation. He said that Election Commission of India (ECI) has successfully played the role of formulating and revising the electoral rolls time and again, without any obstacle due to which many advanced and developing nations were replicating India’s model of democracy.
Mr. Sharma said that due to successful democracy all the citizens enjoy a worldwide repute of being a votary for democratic values and system.The Deputy Commissioner said that celebration of national Voter’s day has its own significance as it has assured more and more participation of youth in democratic process. Mr. Sharma said that ECI was actually acting as a custodian of the democratic rights of every citizen of the country.On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner administrated pledge of ethical voting during the polls.Mr. Sharma also felicitated the officers for meritorious service in voter awareness besides the students who performed excellent in competitions held for creating awareness about voting rights. Earlier, the Principal of the college Dr Ajay Sareen welcomed the Deputy Commissioner and other dignitaries to the college.Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Assistant Chief Administrator PUDA Mr Barjinder Singh, Sub Divisional Magistrate Mr Vaneet Kumar, DEO Secondary Mr Harinder Pal Singh, District Social Security Officer Mr Varinder Bains, Assistant Nodal Officer SVEEP Mr Surjit Lal, Election Tehsildar Mr. Manjit Singh and Kanungo Mr. Rakesh Arora, and others.