National Voters Day celebrated with EPICs for new electors

GANGTOK, 25 Jan [IPR]: The Election Department organized a State level National Voters Day celebration here at Chintan Bhawan today. National Voters Day is observed on the 25th of January every year, a practice that was initiated in 2011 to enhance the participation of voters, especially the youth in the democratic process.
Similar programmes are also being held at the 369 Polling Stations across the state. There are altogether 3,62,326 voters listed in the state after the summary revision of Electoral Roll during the five months exercise from 01 September 2013 to 01 January 2014.
Chief Secretary R. Ongmu was present at Chintan Bhawan as the chief guest accompanied by the Principal Secretary, Home, DGP, CEO, HoDs, representatives of political parties, Chamber of Commerce, NGOs and newly registered voters of Arithang, Gangtok and Upper Tadong constituencies.
The Chief Secretary in her address expressed that National Voters Day is observed so that people rededicate themselves to their constitutional rights and also to make Universal Adult Suffrage, a reality. She also pointed out that this day is observed not only to spread awareness with regard to the democratic right of voting but to encourage more young voters to take part in the electoral process as well as to honour the newly enrolled voters.
The Chief Secretary also called upon every individual specially the newly enrolled voters to exercise their franchise and added that responsibility is essential in every citizen and appealed for maximum participation of people for healthy democracy.
CEO, Sikkim, D. Anandan in his address highlighted the initiatives taken by the Election department. He added that a voter can check his or her name in the voter list by online searching facility provided in the website of CEO www.ceosikkim.nic.in. The voter can also call the Booth Level Officer (BLOs) in their respective areas. The Department has also roped in Jaslall Pradhan, former Indian Boxer as the State Icon, for appealing and motivating young voters to come forward in the electoral process, he added.
The CEO further informed that from this year, the new voters are provided with PVC EPIC Cards and the department is also empowering voters through various awareness programmes.
The chief guest administered the Voters Pledge to the participants and also gave away the token of EPIC to newly enrolled voters. On the occasion, the messages of C.E.C. and National and State Sports Icon were also presented through power point presentation.
Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department presented a patriotic song to mark this day. The eight BLOs were also presented the Best BLO Award.
Earlier, D.E.R.O. East, Jitendra Singh Raje presented a welcome address with a brief background on National Voters Day. Later, LP Pandey, Special CEO proposed the vote of thanks.
Recipient of Best BLOs Award were Laxuman Kafley, Gyashing Bermiok Constituency, Manohar Rai, Zoom Salghari, Lachimit Lepcha, Dzongu, Sonam Phuti Lepcha, Dzongu, Tseten Bhutia, Namchi Singithang, JS Nepal, Melli, Rinzing Tamang, Gnathang Machong, and Mingyur Bhutia, Syari constituency.