The 12th National Voters’ Day is being celebrated today. The theme for this year’s voters’ day is ‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu will be the Chief Guest at the national function being organized in New Delhi to mark the day. However, due to his inability to attend the function in person, his message will be virtually delivered during the function.
Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju will be the Guest of Honour.
On the occasion, National Awards for the Best Electoral Practises for the year 2021-22 will be conferred on State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management, Accessible Elections and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach.
The National Awards will also be given to important stakeholders like government departments, Election Commission of India (ECI) icons and media groups for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness.
During the function, the newly enrolled voters would also be felicitated and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC). The Commission has recently launched a new initiative to deliver the EPIC to newly enrolled voters, along with a personalised letter and a Voter Guidebook.
The Election Commission’s Publication ‘Leap of Faith: Journey of Indian Elections’ will be released on the occasion. Another Publication ‘Pledging to Vote – A decadal Journey of The National Voters Day in India’ will also be launched.
A national voter awareness contest on social media- ‘My Vote is my Future- Power of One Vote’ will also be launched to reiterate the importance of every vote through creative expression for the ongoing Assembly Elections 2022.
With a host of categories like Song, Slogan, Quiz, Video Making and Poster Design, the contest will be open to all. The winners shall be presented with exciting cash prizes and accolades.
Since 2011, National Voters’ Day is being celebrated all across the country on 25th of January every year, to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
In Uttar Pradesh, National Voters’ Day is being celebrated in the State with full fervour as the state is going to polls in a few days from now. AIR correspondent reports,the main event is scheduled at noon in Lucknow, where Governor Anandiben Patel will be the Chief Guest.
Programmes based on the theme ‘Making Election Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’ will be held in all 75 districts following the Covid protocol.
Essay and debate competitions will also be held in schools via the online mode. People will also pledge to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in oath-taking ceremonies.
State Election Officer Ajay Kumar Shukla has greeted people on the occasion of the Voters’ Day and appealed to them to participate in voter awareness programmes and also upload their audio-video clips and creative content on social media platforms by using hashtag #NVD2022.
The State Election Commission has instructed that all Covid protocol must be followed during the organisation of all such events.