CAPTION: Participants and resource persons at the Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme on Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) at NIT conference hall at Chümoukedima on February 20. (PIB Photo)
Kohima, February 20 (MExN): Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Field Office Kohima, in collaboration with National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland on Monday held an Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme on Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) at NIT conference hall at Chümoukedima.
Addressing the participants, Extra Assistant Commissioner of Chümoukedima, Dziesengunuo Mere said election is the process through which the citizens elect their representatives to govern them.
She called on the participants to introspect carefully on the kind of leaders who will make decisions for their future and the society. Mere said every eligible citizen has the constitutional duty and right to vote in a free and fair manner and called on the young voters to exercise their franchise in a responsible way and elect the right candidate to represent them in the House of the People.
As per a PIB release, the EAC stressed on the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct which is framed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a free and peaceful election, and urged the people to abide by the rules and guidelines of the MCC until the electoral process is over. She said through the SVEEP, the ECI is trying to create awareness and educate the electors for an inclusive, accessible, free and fair election. Mere informed that the ECI has also come up with various mobile applications in mobile phones and advised the people to access these apps and actively participate in the electoral process.She also explained about the apps such as c-Vigil App where citizens can report any violation of the MCC, and the ECI will take action within 100 minutes. She said the citizens can also access the ‘Know Your Candidate’ App and view the details as well as the antecedents of the candidates.
Mere further informed that the ECI has come up with an App called the Saksham for the People with Disabilities (PwDs). Through this App, PwDs can ask for assistance in the polling booth on the polling day. The administrator also highlighted on the provisions that the ECI has provided for the senior citizens, COVID patients and COVID suspected persons where they can cast their vote from their home.
Speaking as the resources person, District Level Master Trainer James Sema gave a presentation on the working of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT). Sema also informed the voters, especially the first-time voters that they can approach the polling officials to assist them in case of any genuine doubts or confusion, the release stated.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Registrar NIT, Nagaland Dr Nosekhol Albert Khizho appealed to the young voters to exercise their franchise as per the democratic principles of our country. He further urged the voters to uphold the Pledge enshrine by the ECI for good electoral practices, and uphold the democratic tradition and dignity of our country for a free, fair and peaceful election. Dr Khizho said every citizen has the right to cast their vote fearlessly without the consideration of religion, race, cast, community, language or any other inducement as expected by the ECI.
