On the occasion of 15th National Voters Day, a grand function was organized by the District Election Office, Srinagar here to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established on 25th January 1950.
The function was presided over by the Divisional Commissioner(Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, while Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat who is also the District Election Officer attended the function as Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir said that the National voters Day serves as a reminder to all the eligible voters of their responsibilities to participate in the electoral process, to strengthen the democratic setup.
He also expressed appreciation for the hard work of the BLO, Electoral Registration Officers, the Election Department staff, Election icons, and all the stakeholders for their unwavering dedication in keeping our democracy vibrant and thriving
The Div Com also highlighted the contribution of Election machinery and all the stakeholders who exhibited commendable capability in ensuring successful Lok Sabha and J&K Assembly Elections in 2024 with a remarkable increase in voter turnout in both the Elections.
He stressed on responsibility to vote besides the right to vote to strengthen the democratic setup. He said responsible voting is the key in the development of any nation and urged the participants, particularly youngsters, to become an active part of the electorate process.
DC/DEO Srinagar in his inaugural address said the significance of National Voters Day is to create awareness and to encourage youngsters, who have attained the age of 18 years, to participate in the electoral process, by enrolling or registering themselves in electoral rolls and to exercise their franchise.
The DC/DEO said it is equally important that the newly registered electors are imparted with the knowledge about the importance of their newly acquired power to select the right representatives to fulfil their demands besides address their developmental issues.
The DC/DEO also appreciated the electoral team of District Election Authority Srinagar including Electoral Registration Officers(EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers(AEROs), BLOs and other stakeholders who put in their best efforts by reaching to the last voter for registration during Special Summary Revision to become part of coming elections.
The DC said during Special Summary Revision-2024, the District Election Office has worked hard to widen the ambit of electoral literacy by holding awareness programmes in City Schools and Colleges and other prominent public places.
During the programme message of Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar was telecast through virtual mode. On the occasion, participants were administered pledge regarding National Voters Day. Later, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar handed over Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) among newly enrolled voters.
They also felicitated Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Election Nodal Officers, Officials, BLOs and Election Icons for ensuring smooth elections process for Lok Sabha and J&K Assembly Elections in 2024.
Notably, the Election Commission of India has chosen the theme "Nothing like voting, I vote for sure" for this year's National Voters' Day reflecting the core philosophy of universal adult suffrage and the empowerment that comes with exercising the right to vote in a democratic society.
Additional District Development Commissioner, Sheikh Ghulam Hassan, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, Nodal Principal Colleges, Seema Naaz, Deputy District Election Officer, Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, Election Nodal Officers, Officials of District Election Office, Srinagar BLOs, newly registered voters, Election Icons and other concerned Officials were present on the occasion.