Port Blair, Jan.25: National Voters’ Day was celebrated in the Islands, together with the rest of the country. It was on this day in 1950, the Election Commission of India was form. Since 2011, the day is being celebrated as National Voters’ Day. As such, a function was held in the auditorium of JNRM here, in which the Chief Secretary, Mr. Anindo Majumdar was the chief guest. The Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad South Andaman, Ms. Baby Fareeda and the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. S C L Das were also among others, present on the occasion. The theme for this year celebration was ‘Accessible Election’.
Addressing the function, the chief guest underlined the need for creating consciousness among the people about the significance of voting. If the people are aware of their duty and responsibility democracy, they will turn up for voting and in this way universal voting will be achieved, he said expressing happiness that the Indian election system is the best among the world. Election Commission of India is conducting free and fair elections in an effective manner and has been admired by other nations as the best system, for which we should be proud of, he said.
Referring to the voting turn-out, the Chief Secretary said that voting turn-out in major cities of the country is not appreciable. However, it is comparatively good in these Islands, especially in Car Nicobar, which recorded about 80% turn-out in the last election. There is need to motivate the people, especially the youth to participate in election and cast their valuable votes, so as to achieve cent per cent turn-out, he said suggesting accessible election to enable every individual such as patients as well as physically challenged to cast their votes.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary lit a ritual oil lamp to inaugurate the function. He administered the Voters’ Pledge to the gathering and distributed Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) to 13 new voters. Two Booth Level Officers, Ms. Neha Narayan of Ward No.17 and Ms. Jaya Kumari of Part No.313, Ferrargunj were felicitated by the chief guest. The winners of the various contests organized as part of the National Voters’ Day were also awarded cash prizes on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Mr. SCL Das briefed the gathering about the significance of the day. Our election process is the most complex process but still we manage to conduct it in a grand successful manner, he said lauding the Election Commission of India efforts in conducting election in the country.
Master Sayed Arshul Rahaman, B. Com. 3rd year student of JNRM presented his prize winning speech on the topic ‘Accessible Election’ while the students of JNRM presented a colourful cultural programme to the delight of the audience.
