TURA: In order to promote the concept of Electoral Literacy Club (ELC), the District Election Officer, West Garo Hills Tura organized a meeting cum orientation programme with various heads of educational institutions, community ELCs and students in the district at SMELC, Conference Hall, Dakopgre, Tura on 11th May, 2018. Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Dadenggre, Civil Sub-Division, Dadenggre, Swapnil Tembe, EAC, West Garo Hills, Tennystar R Marak were among others present at the programme.
In his speech, Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh stated that ELCs can be formed in schools, colleges and universities for young student voters including left out voters among women, senior citizens, PwDs and other vulnerable groups at community level to spread awareness and education on electoral registration and other electoral process. He reiterated that the programme is being organized with a view to facilitate voter registration, familiarise the people about electoral process through hands on experience and make them understand the value of their vote and ethical voting.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed on the need for sensitizing the students by organizing quiz and debate programmes for students in schools and colleges about matters relating to election and electoral process since the students will start voting as soon as they attain 18 years of age. Further, he informed the gathering about the summary revision for enrolment which will be held from June onwards.
Dolrich B G Momin, EAC (Election), West Garo Hills briefed the gathering about the objectives, structure and functioning of the ELCs in the district. While mentioning about the membership, he said that it is open to all students, though the Executive Committee is comprised of students who are registered as voters and are not affiliated to the Student or Youth Wing of any political party and the term of office is for one year extending to two years from the day of assuming charge.
He then spoke about the outreach programs through social media comprising of event announcement, updates, results, current affairs, registration drives, etc. which are regularly posted on a dedicated Facebook page and group, YouTube channel anchored by the Nodal Officer. He also informed about the proposed activity schedule including various campus activities, special registration drive, Young Voters Festival, etc., which should be conducted by all ELCs in their respective schools and colleges to implement the concept effectively in the entire district for the benefit of the general public.