Exercise right to vote responsibly: Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 25

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today urged the youth to exercise the right to franchise with responsibility, morality and sensitivity. The Governor was speaking on the occasion of the 14th National Voters’ Day, observed here today on the theme: “There is nothing like voting, we will definitely vote.” He appealed the youth to realise the importance of the right to vote and also make their friends aware of the importance of voting.

The Governor also launched a poster, song and video making competition to create awareness among new voters, which will continue till March 1. He also launched Poll Day Monitoring System 2.0. Earlier, the Governor also distributed ‘Election Photo Identity Cards’ to new voters.

A MoU was also signed between the Education and Election Departments to ensure electoral literacy in every educational institution so that after completing 18 years of age, the voter can understand the importance of voting and 100 per cent enrollment can be ensured.

“The basic objective of this year’s theme is to get the names of all voters of 18 years of age and above registered in the voter list and to promote maximum participation of all voters in elections,” he said. He added that efforts made in this direction would bring awareness and strengthen democracy. He said the Election Department in the state had discharged its responsibilities with complete impartiality. “It has not only streamlined the election process, but also been encouraging voters to actively participate in the democratic process of elections,” he added.

He congratulated the department for achieving voting percentage of over 75 in the last Assembly elections. “There are 55,57,924 voters in Himachal and the number of polling stations is 7,990. Many of these centres are at far-flung places with no road connectivity and special arrangements have to be made for such places,” he added.

Shukla said despite facing severe challenges, the voting process is conducted with fairness due to the combined efforts of the voters and various departments. He also presented the award for the best electoral registration officer and also administered the voter oath.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Electoral Officer Manish Garg said the objective of National Voters’ Day was to increase awareness among voters through various programmes.

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