Commemorating the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, National Voters Day was observed at several centres in Meghalaya today.
The theme for this year was ‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’.
The programme in Shillong was organised by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, FR Kharkongor, and was held at the State Central Library. Chief Secretary Rebecca V Suchiang was the chief guest.
Suchiang said that the importance of the day was to remind every citizens of this country of their rights as voters. By participating in the electoral process, citizens who have attained the age of 18 play a crucial role in ensuring that the fundamentals of democracy, a government by the people, of the people and for the people, are kept alive.
Adding that the preparation for election is a continuous process, she said that works for ensuring that the electoral roll is proper, enrolment of those who have attained eligibility, creating awareness, ensuring the fitness of polling stations in terms of basic amenities etc, are all year‐round activities aimed at ensuring that each and every person who is to play a role comes forward to exercise his/her franchise.
As part of the programme, EPICs were also distributed to newly enrolled voters. State BLO Icon and District BLO Icon were also felicitated. The BLO Ready Reckoner and Directory and the ELC Electorama Vol 2 were also released during the day.
The Chief Guest also inaugurated the photo exhibition ‘Democracy@50’ at the venue and distributed prizes to the winners of the various ELC competitions.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo, flagged off a ‘Walk for Democracy’ from Madan Iewrynghep, which culminated at the State Central Library premises.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaiñtia Hills District in collaboration with the Office of the District Sports Officer organized an open marathon in Khliehriat as part of the celebrations.
The marathon was flagged off from the Old Deputy Commissioners Office to Rymbai PHC.
Deputy Commissioner in-charge S.S. Syiemlieh said that the main objective of the day is to encourage, felicitate and maximize enrolment especially the new voters in the district.
The participants at the programme also took the National Voters Day pledge. During the programme, new voters of the district were felicitated and the BLO Icon of the district also handed over the Voters ID and Badges to them.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the marathon.
Mendipathar, North Garo Hills, also celebrated the event.
Deputy Commissioner RP Marak read out the voters’ pledge in front of the gathering comprising district officials, young and old voters and other members of the public.
Marak urged the gathering to uphold the democratic traditions 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.
