THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Oct 18: There were 146 polling stations in Palamu district where there was less than 50 per cent of voting in the Lok Sabha elections this year.
These poor turnout booths are on the radar of the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation). SVEEP is the flagship programme of the Election Commission of India for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India.
Nodal officer of SVEEP Md Jawed Hussain briefing media persons today said, “We are pulling out all stops to see a great spike of voting this Vidhan Sabha election. We need the cooperation of all sections of the society.”
There is a well-knit action plan for the SVEEPs where urban and rural sectors both have been intelligently focussed, added Jawed more known by his first name.
Targeting youth participation
The Nodal officer has his reservations about the word urban apathy when he says, “Our youths in the age group of 18 to 19 are our main plank. We are to tap them to vote. We will.”
This Vidhan Sabha election in Palamu there are 82,000 youths in the age group of 18 to 19. Their participation in voting is vital. SVEEPs will win over them, hoped Jawed.
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There are 22, 000 voters in the age group of 85 and plus. SVEEPs are for them too. Similarly, 36,000 voters are persons with disability. SVEEPs have covered them too.
Nodal officer of SVEEP said, “We will be sending postcards to first-time voters of particularly those booths where these young voters just couldn’t turn up for the Lok Sabha elections held here in May.”
Jawed said, “Postcards will surely cement us with the first-time voters. A postcard is a warm thing to hold in hand to read.”
Creative initiatives to motivate voters
Jawed said, “We have a water adventure. It will attract youth. We have a multi-cuisine show. So, there is a wide range of programmes which will definitely motivate the voters, especially the first-time voters to exercise their adult franchise.”
“Where there is a congregation of people like bus stand, railway station etc, SVEEP will be there,” assured the nodal officer of SVEEP.
“We are inviting voters through our Didis of the Jharkhand state livelihood promotion scheme. These Didis will visit house to house inviting voters so that they do not miss the date of voting 13 November,” he further stated.
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Reverse migration expected to boost voting numbers
Jawed expressing hope said, “As voting in Palamu is on November 13 we believe in reverse migration where people had come to celebrate Diwali and Chhath would like to stay for a few more days for 13 November voting. The reverse migration leading people back home will see a new impetus to the voting.”
SVEEP is set to a wholesome take off in Palamu, said the nodal officer.
