Tura, Jan 25: Together with the rest of the country eligible voters at Tura took the voter’s pledge upholding democratic traditions of our country today at an elaborate function organized by Deputy Commissioner (Election) commemorating the 12th National Voter’s Day at DRDA, Conference Hall, Tura. The theme for this year National Voters Day is “Making Election Inclusive, Accessible and Participative”.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh highlighted the theme of the National Voters Day and informed that the Election Commission of India is trying its best to include all sections of society by making Elections inclusive, providing all necessary support to voters in all polling stations and even by going house to house with special postal ballot for elderly people and disabled as was done in the last conducted elections. He also advocated for conducting more awareness programmes to the general public especially the youth with regard to the importance and power of voting rights of an individual including ethical voting which will further help towards the progress and prosperity of the nation.
Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, V S Rathore in his short speech lauded the successful team work of the Election department during the last elections conducted in the district and expressed hope that the team would gear up to conduct the coming elections in 2023 successfully.
Voters pledge was also initiated by the Chief Guest during the function. The Chief Guest along with Superintendent of Police, WGH, V S Rathore and 2nd in Command, CRPF 120 Battalion Anil Kumar Singh felicitated the Best Booth Level Officers from West Garo Hills District, the newly registered voters of 18-19 years under 50-North Tura (ST), 51 South Tura (ST) and 52-Rangsakona LACs, and Winners of Online Essay Competition with Certificates and mementos. Apart from this, the newly enrolled voters were also given free Sim Cards of their choice.
The occasion was celebrated in North Garo Hills District at Mendipathar Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Hall in Mendipathar.
Deputy Commissioner RP Marak read out the voters’ pledge which was resonated by the gathering comprising of district officials, young and old voters and other members of the public.
Stressing on the theme ‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’ RP Marak in his speech urged the gathering to uphold the democratic tradition of the country by participating in the electoral process fearlessly without being influenced by any inducement of religion, race, caste, language or community to vote wisely for the growth and welfare of the society and the nation as a whole. The DC further pressed on the importance of public awareness on electoral literacy so as to enhance maximum participation in the electoral process.
He also lauded the active participation of the various district officials involved in the election mode special Covid vaccination campaign which has enabled the district to improve its Covid vaccine rank.
ZJ Sangma, Addll. Deputy Commissioner in his introductory remark highlighted the objective of the programme and added that with reference to special summary revision of photo elector rolls with January 1st 2022 as the qualifying date the numbers of voters in the district were 103160.
Other highlights of the day were felicitation of BLO Icon and young voters (male & female).
In East Garo Hills, “Every vote counts and every vote makes a difference” was the message to the public by Deputy Commissioner, Swapnil Tembe during the celebration of the occasion at Multi-purpose hall, Deputy Commissioner Office in Williamnagar.
Tembe, while speaking as the Chief Guest informed that National Voters’ Day is being celebrated every year on January 25 all across the country to mark the foundation day of Election Commission of India. The main purpose of the National Voters’ day celebration is to encourage youth’s and to enrol new voters, he added.
He also informed that steps would be taken for enrolment of PWDs in the electoral roll who were left behind in the remote areas. He also urged the gathering to spread awareness of right to vote, promote and to participate in the electoral process.
As part of the programme, Anilbath Sangma, Election SVEEP Icon East Garo Hills, who became the gold medallist in the National Open Taekwando Championship which was held in Uttarakhand last year, was felicitated as an effort to boost enrolment among the youths.
Other highlights of the programme were distribution of EPIC to newly registered voters and cultural programme by various schools and colleges.