Voting based on conscience would determine the future of the new India, stated Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on the occasion of the 14th National Voters' Day. He appealed the youth to exercise their right to vote with responsibility and told the youth to also make their friends aware of the importance of voting.
"Exercise your franchise with responsibility, information, morality and sensitivity," stated the Governor at the programme organised by the State Election Commission at Gaiety Theater, Shimla, today on the theme "There is nothing like voting, we will definitely vote".
"The basic objective of this year's theme is to get the names of voters of 18 years of age and above registered in the voter list and to promote maximum participation of all voters in elections," he said. He added that efforts made with this thinking would bring awareness and when everyone uses their vote, we will strengthen our democracy.
The Governor congratulated the people of the State on Voters' Day and said that the tradition of celebrating the Day was relevant and meaningful for democracy as it educates people of not just their right to vote but also reminds them that it was duty towards Nation.
The Governor also appreciated the important contribution of civil and police administration and their teams, non-governmental organizations and others in creating awareness among the voters and conducting elections smoothly at the ground level. "Every single vote lays the foundation for the future of the country. Therefore, every voter is a proud builder of a strong nation and democracy," said Sh. Shukla.
He said that the Election Department in Himachal Pradesh has discharged its responsibilities with complete impartiality. It has not only streamlined the election process but has also been encouraging voters to actively participate in the democratic process of elections, he added.
He congratulated them for achieving over 75 percent as voting percentage in the last assembly election. He said that there are about 55,57,924 voters in Himachal Pradesh and the number of polling stations is 7,990. Many of these centers are in far-flung places with no road connectivity and special arrangements have to be made for such places.
Special arrangements were also made keeping in view the physical condition of many voters. He said that despite facing every challenge, the voting process was conducted with fairness and the Election Department has achieved success due to the combined efforts of our voters and various departments. He congratulated every voter and the state election department for this success.
Earlier, the Governor also distributed ‘Election Photo Identity Cards’ to new voters. He congratulated the first time voters on receiving the 'Election Photo Identity Cards' and said that it was a matter of pride for them to get the opportunity to vote in the world's largest democracy. He also presented the award for the best electoral registration officer and also administered the voter oath.
The Governor also launched a poster, song and video making competition to create awareness among new voters which will continue till March 1, 2024. He also launched "Poll Day Monitoring System 2.0". On the occasion, a video message of the Chief Electoral Commissioner of India, Rajeev Kumar was also broadcast.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manish Garg welcomed the Governor and said that the objective of National Voters' Day is to increase awareness among voters about their authority and to welcome new voters. He said that the Election Department in Himachal Pradesh creates awareness about voting among the voters through its various programs.
He said that in the last assembly elections, the vote percentage in the state was 75.8, which was the highest till date. He said that the National Election Commission has praised the Himachal Election Commission for this achievement. He expressed hope that efforts were being made to achieve higher vote percentage in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Education Department and the Election Department of Himachal Pradesh. On behalf of the Education Department, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar and CEO Manish Garg signed the MoU. Under this, electoral literacy will be ensured in every educational institution so that after completing 18 years of age, the voter can understand the importance of voting and 100 percent enrollment can be ensured.
On the occasion, a cultural program was also presented. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dalip Negi presented a vote of thanks. Lady Governor Janaki Shukla, Secretary to Governor Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.