GUWAHATI: A slew of discounts have been announced by merchants of Hailakandi for the voters of Hailakandi who cast their votes in the Parliamentary Elections on April 18.
Following an appeal by District Election Officer, Keerthi Jalli, the Hailakandi Merchants’ Association, Drugs Dealers’ Association, Gold Dealers’ Association and Hotels and Restaurants Association agreed to provide discounts on a range of merchandise products, medicines, gold making, and concession on accommodation to the voters who turn up to vote on polling day. The offers are up for grabs for two days on April 18 and 19.
Even owners of food outlets and hotels have offered discounts ranging from 10 to 15 per cent while pharmacists announced four per cent discount on medicines to the voters exercising their franchise
Jewelry shops have announced a flat 15 per cent off on making charges.
Thanking the merchants’ association, drugs dealers, owners of food outlets, hotels and jewellery shops for coming forward to offer discounts to voters, DEO Jalli said the initiative had been taken by the district administration in collaboration with local merchants associations to attract voters, especially urban voters who usually show less interest in voting compared to their rural counterparts.
“In sync with our motto of celebrating the election as an utsav (festivity), this is yet another unique initiative of the administration in league with local merchants associations to offer discounts on medicine and on an array of products for those who come out to vote on April 18,” said Jalli.
SVEEP and Media Cell Officer In-charge Tridip Roy said, “In a unique first of its kind initiative in the entire state, the DC requested local merchant associations to come forward and join hands with the administration in increasing voter turnout in town areas where usually residents don’t go to vote. We are very happy that the associations have come forward and matched our enthusiasm. To attract such voters, attractive discounts are being offered in celebration of the festive bonanza.
“We request all to go out and vote on April 18 and make use of this unique opportunity.
For any voter who can show indelible mark on their finger, discounts shall be given by various shops and outlets,” said Roy.
The district administration has taken a slew of initiatives to ensure cent per cent voting, including distribution of sanitary napkins free of cost to woo women voters.