11th National Voters Day celebrated across Kashmir

Srinagar : The 11th National Voters Day was today celebrated across all the districts of Kashmir to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established on 25th January 1950.The National Voters Day is observed annually on 25 January to spread awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy, it also educates people about their voting rights and encourages more young voters to take part in the polling process.This year the theme of the National Voters Day is ‘Making our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed’.In Srinagar an impressive function was organized by the District Election Office at Womens College M.A Road, here, in which a large number of newly eligible voters participated.The District Election Officer (Deputy Commissioner) Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary was the Chief Guest on the occasion.While addressing the gathering, the DEO highlighted the value of vote and the role of voters in the democratic set up of the Government, he said that vote has empowered them and urged upon them to exercise their franchise prudently to elect their representative as and when opportunity arises. Later, the DEO distributed voter-cards among newly eligible voters of the Srinagar district.
Among others, Joint Commissioner, SMC, Deputy District Election Officer, Srinagar, SDM East were present on the occasion.
At Budgam: The main event was organized at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall here, under the Chairmanship of District Election Officer (DEO) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza. Speaking on the occasion, the DEO said that celebrating National Voters Day every year gives us an opportunity to reach out to the new voters for their enrollment in electoral rolls so that they are able to take part in the democratic process and do their part in strengthening democratic values of the Nation.He further said that the day has unique significance in developing confidence and interest among the new enrollments and simultaneously enable in revisiting the role of all who already are exercising their franchise in nation building and for making democracy strong.On the occasion, DEO, Budgam took pledge from all DDCs, BDCs, Sarpanchs, Panchs, new voters that they shall participate in the election process free and fairly and will contribute as and when their franchise is required. He also distributed many EPICs among new enrollments.Among others, ADC Budgam, Dr. Nasir Ahmad, ACR, ACD, Tehsildar Budgam and other concerned were present on the occasion besides recently elected DDCs, BDCs, MC President, Sarpanchs/Panchs and a large number of new enthusiastic voters participated in the celebrations.
At Ganderbal: The main function was presided over by District Election Officer (DEO) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal at the Conference Hall Mini Secretariat.Addressing the gathering, the DEO highlighted the significance of the day and briefed the participants about the value of vote. He urged the people to ensure registration of youngsters in voter lists, who attain the age of 18 years for active participation in the electoral process.He also urged youth to involve them in the voting process to strengthen democracy.The DEO urged concerned officers to work on mission mode so that maximum people can participate in democratic process.Earlier, the District Election Officer administered the Voters Pledge among the participants and distributed voter cards among new voters.The function among others was attended by ADC Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ACR, Chief Planning Officer, Deputy District Election Officer and other concerned officials besides students from various institutions.National Voters Day was also celebrated in other blocks of the district including Sub Division Kangan.
At Baramulla: The main event was organised at Dak Bungalow here, with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Baramulla, Mohammad Ahsan Mir as the Chief Guest.The function was organised by District Election Office Baramulla with an aim to educate new voters regarding the importance of exercising their franchise.Speaking on the occasion, ADC threw light on the significance of the Day and said that the main objective of the Day is to ensure that a maximum number of young voters take part in the political process. He said that the Day is commemorated every year to encourage youngsters, who have reached the age of 18, to participate in the electoral process.Deputy District Election Officer Sameer Jan highlighted the salient features of the programme and also handed over EPICS to the newly registered voters. Meanwhile, various felicitation prizes were distributed among the officers/officials who performed remarkably in the recently concluded DDC/Panchayat bye-elections. The best RO was bagged by Returning officer Sangrama and Wagoora, and best ERO was bagged by SDM Uri Riyaz Ahmad, Nodal Officer Transport, ARTO Baramulla, Mubashir Jan also received a special award besides commendable prizes to other functionaries.
At Pulwama: A grand function was organised by District Election Office at DC office complex here under the chairmanship of District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr Raghav Langer.While highlighting the significance of National Voters Day, the DEO said that voters can change the destiny of a nation and the greater electoral participation helps in making good policies which in turn make the roots of democracy stronger.He urged the election team to ensure that they reach the last voter so that maximum voter participation is ensured. He reiterated that he has observed an overwhelming enthusiasm among the voters during recent DDC elections held in the district and it is our responsibility to promote and motivate the people for ethical voting to elect representatives of choice and value.On the occasion, the DEO administered pledge to the participants’ especially new voters from the district and distributed Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) among them.The function was attended by Dy-DEO, Principal Degree college Pulwama, Tehsildar , Nodal Officer SVEEP, District Officers of various departments , DDC members, BDCs, Sarpanchs, Panchs, BLOs, Asha Workers, members from Handicapped Association, School Children and a large number of newly registered voters.A Snow Run was also organised by DYS&SO at Sports Stadium Pulwama to mark 11th National Voters Day.ADC Pulwama, Shabir Ahmad Raina was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He inaugurated the run and briefed the participants and the officials about the National Voters Day and also administered pledge to the participants.Sizable number of boys and girls across the length and breadth of the district participated in the Snow Run.On the occasion, ADC, S.A Raina flagged off a group of 10 girl skiers for world famous Ski resort Gulmarg who are supposed to be there for 15 days.
At Shopian: The main function was chaired by District Election Officer (DEO) Shopian, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse at Mini Secretariat Arhama, here.While highlighting the significance of the day, the DEO said that the main purpose of celebrating National Voters Day is to encourage and felicitate the young and new voters besides this day is utilized to spread awareness among voters to promote participation in the electoral process.The DEO on occasion administered Voters pledge to the participants. He said that the greater electoral participation helps in making good policies which in turn make the roots of democracy stronger.EPICs were also distributed among the newly enrolled voters. He felicitated the best speakers for their speech on the theme.Additional Deputy Commissioner, AEROs, BLOs, New Voters besides school children from various educational institutions and other concerned were present on the occasion.At Anantnag: The main event was organised at the Auditorium Hall of GDC Women Anantnag under the Chairmanship of District Election Officer (DEO) Anantnag, Anshul Garg.The programme was organised by DEPO Anantnag, who is also Nodal Officer SVEEP.On the occasion, the DEO said that the youth have a potential to learn things quickly, adding that they can educate people regarding the importance of the vote and election process, vital for the overall development of the country.Garg said that the citizens of the district Anantnag have abiding faith in democracy, democratic traditions and dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections, who vote in every election fearlessly without being influenced by considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement.On the occasion, students and artists presented colourful cultural programmes highlighting the importance of National Voters Day.The new voters were felicitated and their EPICs were handed over to them. Officials associated with electoral process such as BLOs, SVEEP officials etc were also felicitated for their commendable job during the recently held election Moreover, and all the participants including officers took voters’ pledge.Among others, ADCs, Principal WDC Anantnag, ACR, ACD, DPO, President MC Anantnag, Tehsildar Anantnag, Technical Director NIC, and other officers were present, besides a large number of newly-added voters also attended the event.
At Kulgam: The main function was presided over by District Election Officer (DEO) Kulgam, Showkat Aijaz Bhat at Mini-Secretariat, here.On the occasion, the DEO highlighted the historical background of the day and said that a voter has power to change the destiny of a nation and in democracy a voter enjoys the highest position and elects the governments by his vote.The DEO paid a warm welcome to new voters and distributed Voter cards among them.Other speakers also highlighted the significance of observing and celebrating National Voters Day.The function was attended by EROs, Dy-DEO, AROs, Nodal Officer, SVEEP, District Officers, DDC’s, BDC’s, Sarpanchs, Panchs and BLOs besides a large number of newly registered voters.
At Bandipora: The main function was held at Mini-Secretariat here with District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Dr owais Ahmad as the Chief Guest.Speaking at the function, the DEO said that the main aim of celebrating this day is to raise awareness among masses and to encourage maximum number of youngsters who have attained the age of 18 to take part in the democratic process of decision making.He expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of recently held municipal and panchayat bye-elections and lauded the role of the officers. He urged the youngsters to know the strength of their vote and make a statement by using their vote.On the occasion, the DEO administered Voters pledge to the participants and also distributed Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) among newly enrolled voters who were seen enthusiastic about receiving the EPICs for the first time. Several officers were also felicitated for showing extraordinary performance during recent elections.Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Deputy District Election Officer, Joint Director Planning Imtiyaz Ahmad, District Information Officer Jahangir Akhoon, Nodal Officer SVEEP were also present on the occasion.Similar functions were held at Sub Divisional Level and Tehsil headquarters of the district that were attended by officers, students and newly enrolled voters.
At Kupwara: The main function was presided over by District Election Officer (DEO) Kupwara, Imam Din at Town Hall, here. Speaking on the occasion, the DEO highlighted the significance of the celebration of the National Voters Day and said that the youth completing 18 years of age shall remain vigilant to get their Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) for eligibility to cast their votes. He said it is because of new voters, new faces come to fore for public representation.During the function, the DEO distributed EPICS among various new voters. He also administered pledge with regard to Voters Day to the participants.Later, he also distributed Certificates of Appreciation among various government functionaries who worked during the election.Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Nazir Ahmad Lone, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Education Officer, District Information Officer and concerned officers/ officials besides concerned BLOs and newly registered voters were present on the occasion.A similar function was held at conference hall Handwara, during which Additional Deputy Commissioner, Handwara was chief guest. National Voters Day was also celebrated at the border Karnah sub division.