SHILLONG: The Election department and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya celebrated the 6th National Voters’ Day here on Monday. A “Run for Democracy and Inclusion” was organised on the occasion in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Over 1200 people from various age groups took part in the run which kicked off from U Soso Tham Auditorium complex culminated at the same spot after covering a distance of 10 kms via Polo- Golflink- Mawroh-Jaiaw-Riatsamthiah-GS Road – Kachari Point- Raj Bhavan.
Chief Secretary, PBO Warjri, Chief Electoral Officer, P Naik and East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar among others attended a prize distribution ceremony post the run,
Addressing the gathering Naik informed that Meghalaya is the first state in India to achieve 100% photo electoral roll coverage.
“The voting percentage in a series of elections was excellent in Meghalaya and this is due to programmes of this nature (the run) and also because of various activities that are being taken up in different districts of the state, such as SVEEP,” he said.
He stressed on the need for mass enrolment in the electoral rolls and the importance of voting in order to ensure healthy democracy.
Our Correspondents add:
A similar programme was organized at the Multipurpose Hall of the South West Khasi Hills DC’s office in Mawkyrwat. During the programme, South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner R Lyngdoh distributed EPICs and badges to newly enrolled electors of Jakrem, Mawten and Mawkyrwat. A special programme for the differently-abled persons was also held.
As part of the celebration of National Voters’ Day, the office of the District Election Officer, Ri Bhoi organized a programme under the theme “Inclusive and Qualitative Participation” at Science Hall Nongpoh.
National Voters’ Day was also celebrated by the North Garo Hills, District Administration, Election Branch on the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises. The programme was attended by village elders, Nokmas, Sordars and local people of the area. Deputy Commissioner, S.C. Sadhu graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Reports of observation of National Voters’ Day also poured in from Ampati, Amlarem and Tura. In West Jaintia Hills the National Voters’ Day was observed in the Conference Room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Jowai. During the celebration, the Voters’ Pledge was administered and EPICs were distributed to 30 newly enrolled voters.
