SHILLONG/TURA/MAWKYRWAT/JOWAI: Together with the rest of the country, National Voters’ Day (NVD) was celebrated across the state with the theme ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy’ on Saturday with the objective to create awareness and to identify and enroll young eligible voters who has attained the age of 18 by January 1 every year.
In Shillong, the day was observed at the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides State Headquarter, Shillong. Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, MS Rao graced the programme as the chief guest. He administered the Voter’s Pledge to the gathering, distributed prizes to the winners of the NVD Run and also handed over EPIC to the newly registered voters. Rao along with other dignitaries also released two books namely, “Lok Sabha Election 2019 – The Meghalaya Story” and “The State KABP Report”.
Similar programme was also organized by the Office of the District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills at MRBS Auditorium, Asom Kristi Kendra, Dhankheti, Shillong where FR Kharkongor, Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya attended the programme as the chief guest in the presence of M. War Nongbri, District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District among others.
During the programme, the Chief Electoral Officer administered the Voter’s Pledge to the gathering, distributed certificates, mementos to first AERO, BLOs and Enumerator to achieve 100% in the District and also handed over EPIC to the newly registered voters.
In the five districts of Garo Hills, awareness on the significance of one’s voting rights and responsibilities were highlighted. Tura, headquarters of the Garo Hills region, marked the day with elaborate celebrations including a voter’s pledge at an event organized by the Deputy Commissioner (Election) here at the Children’s Park (DC Park).
A motivational video “Hai Che’na” on Youth Icons of Garo Hills sponsored by District Election Office, Tura and made by Nokpante Productions was also released on the occasion by the chief guest and other dignitaries.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, who attended as the chief guest, informed that National Voters Day is being held every year in order to facilitate registration of new voters, encourage the youth to participate in the electoral process and Election Commission is making easier for people to vote during elections. District SVEEP Icon for Persons with Disabilities, visually impaired voter Darlington Sangma, while speaking at the function expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission of India for including them in electoral process and for making the process of voting accessible to them.
Voters pledge was also initiated by the chief guest during the function. The DC along with Superintendent of Police, WGH, Dr. M G R Kumar, District SVEEP Icon for PwDs, Darlington Sangma SVEEP Icon felicitated the new and youngest registered voters under North Tura and South Tura LACs. The chief guest also felicitated the Best Booth Level Officers, Enumerators and Best BLOs who have achieved 100 per cent during Electors Verification Programme under West Garo Hills with Certificate of Appreciation.
In Baghmara, the day was held in a befitting manner at DRDA Conference Hall with the handing over of the EPIC cards to the new voters of the district.
Deputy commissioner Hubert B Marak said that empowerment comes only when we exercise our rights through franchise and encouraged the new voters not to shy away from their responsibilities.
In South West Garo Hills, celebrations was held at the Multi-Facility Centre in Ampati. District officers, newly registered young voters, BLOs, Nokmas, Gaon-buras, senior citizens, teachers and students participated at the event. District Election Officer, Ramkumar expressed his pride that South West Garo Hills district has earned distinction not only in the Northeast but also the entire country as one of the districts having highest percentage of voter turnout during.
North Garo Hills district celebrated the day at Dekachang Playground in Resubelpara. Deputy Commissioner S C Sadhu while addressing the gathering said that voters should exercise their electoral role in a free, fair and transparent manner without fear from any considerations of religion, race, cast or language.
In SWKH, the office of the Deputy Commissioner (El), observed the day at Multipurpose Hall, Mawkyrwat. She said that we should be proud to be citizen of a democratic country and quoted John F. Kennedy who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”, so that we can build a better society.
In Jowai, the day was celebrated at the District Library Auditorium where Additional Deputy Commissioners of West Jaintia Hills RS Manners, MCS and PK Boro, MCS, Extra Commissioner Assistant’s D.D Syngai, MCS and B. Blah, MCS, O. Lamin, MDC, JHADC, P.Lyngdoh, Ex- MDC, Staffs and officers from the Election Branch, L.Pohtai were present at the function.
In Amlarem, a function was organised by the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Election).
