By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has appointed booth level officers in East Khasi Hills to sensitize and assist voters on all election matters, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal informed on Monday.
626 booth level officers have been appointed in East Khasi Hills including Sohra to supervise the enrolment of new voters in the State.
The officers have been appointed under the systematic voters’ education and electoral participation (SVEEP) programme.
“Before assisting the voters, such officers will be trained for this purpose,” the DC added.
Responding to the local NGOs’ demands to involve traditional heads in the registration process of voters, Goyal said their demands have been considered keeping in mind the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
Meanwhile, Goyal also informed that he will meet stakeholders like Rangbah Shnong (headmen), Seng Kynthei (women organisation) and others to sensitise them on the need of greater voters’ participation especially of the youths in the age group of 18-19.
“We will be holding a meeting with all the stakeholders to find scope to involve them in the electoral process,” the DC said.
He also said that advocacy meetings such as these will ensure the participation of the younger generation in the electoral process especially in the urban areas where the level of participation is very low.
“What we are seeing now is that youth in the age group of 18-19 are indifferent to the issue of getting themselves enrolled in the electoral rolls,” Goyal said.
Prior to this, local NGOs comprising of the KSU, FKJGP and HNYF on Monday met Goyal to discuss the assurance of the State Government on the issue relating to enrolment of dubious voters in the State.
“We were informed that the involvement of the Rangbah Shnong in the electoral process to verify and identify genuine voters has been considered,” KSU vice president Frederick Kharmawphlang told reporters after the meeting.
The NGOs also stated that they will assist the respective Rangbah Shnong in identifying genuine voters in the State.