In connection with 13th National Voters’ Day celebrations, a grand function was today organized by the District Election Authority, Srinagar at Government Women’s College, M A Road here to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established on 25th January 1950.
The function was presided over by the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, who also administered the pledge to new voters and the other participants.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad who is also the District Election Officer attended the function as Guest of Honour. Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com said that greater electoral participation helps in making good policies which in turn make the roots of democracy stronger.
He stressed on responsibility to vote besides the right to vote to strengthen the democratic setup. He said responsible voting is the key in the development of any nation and urged the participants, particularly youngsters, to become an active part of the electorate process.
The DC, who is also District Election Officer, Srinagar in his inaugural address said significance of National Voters’ Day is to encourage young eligible voters who have attained the age of 18 years, to participate in the electoral process, by enrolling or registering themselves in electoral rolls and to exercise their franchise.
He said it is equally important that the newly registered electors are imparted with the knowledge about the importance of their newly acquired power to elect the right representatives to fulfill their demands besides address their developmental issues.
He said voting is the backbone of democracy and by pressing an EVM button during the electioneering process we strengthen democracy.
The DC also appreciated the electoral team of District Election Authority Srinagar including EROs, AEROs, BLOs who put in their best efforts by reaching to the last voter for registration during Special Summary Revision (SSR-2022) to become part of coming elections.
On the occasion, the DC informed that a record number of over 80000 forms for new additions were received during the Special Summary Revision (SSR-2022) and after effecting deletions nearly 65000 net additions have taken place.
The DC said during SSR-2022, the District Election Office has worked hard to widen the ambit of electoral literacy by holding awareness programmes in City Schools and Colleges. During the programme message of Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar was telecast through virtual mode.
On the occasion, participants were administered pledge regarding National Voters Day. Later, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar handed over Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) among newly enrolled voters.
They also felicitated Booth Level Officers and other Officials for their exemplary work. Principal Govt. Women’s College, MA Road, Rohi Kant, Deputy District Election Officer, Srinagar, Shakeel Ahmad, Sub Divisional Magistrate East, Murtaza Ahmad, Sub Divisional Magistrate West, Primrose Bashir, Officials of District Election Office, Srinagar BLOs, newly registered voters, and other concerned officials were present on the occasion.