As the Nodal Officer Media, Chief Electoral Office, J&K, tasked with overseeing the Special Voter’s Enrollment and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities across the diverse districts of Kashmir, it was imperative to put in efforts to engage and mobilize the masses towards active participation in the democratic process.
Kashmir, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also holds the potential to become a beacon of democratic engagement and participation. Our aim through SVEEP activities is to foster a culture where every citizen recognizes the power of their vote and actively contributes to shaping the future of our nation.
Kashmir, like many other regions, faces challenges in achieving high voter turnout during elections. Factors such as historical unrest, socio-political tensions, and geographical barriers in the past deterred citizens from participating in the electoral process. Therefore, it was imperative to address these challenges through strategic SVEEP initiatives that not only raise awareness but also foster a sense of civic responsibility and inclusivity among the populace.
Being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar holds significant importance in the electoral landscape. To increase voter participation, various initiatives were undertaken, including:
Voter awareness camps were held in all the districts of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, and Shopian while collaborating with local NGOs and educational institutions to organize voter awareness camps aimed at educating citizens about the importance of voting and the electoral process.
Street plays and Nukkad Nataks were held utilizing the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. Street plays and nukkad nataks were organised in busy marketplaces to disseminate electoral information engagingly.
Social media campaigns were also held leveraging the power of social media platforms to reach the younger demographic and encourage voter registration and participation. Similarly, as one of the largest districts in Kashmir, north Kashmir’s Baramulla presented unique challenges and opportunities.
The SVEEP activities in the entire Baramulla parliamentary constituency including Kupwara, Baramulla and some portions of the Budgam district included mobile voter registration units. Mobile voter registration units were deployed to remote villages and hamlets, ensuring that even the most marginalized communities have access to voter registration facilities. Interactive workshops were also held in collaboration with local community leaders to address misconceptions and concerns regarding the electoral process.
Special women empowerment drives focused on women’s empowerment were held to encourage their active participation in the electoral process. South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, with its diverse demographic profile, required tailored SVEEP initiatives to maximize impact.
The key activities in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency included establishing voter helpline centers to address queries related to voter registration, polling stations, and other electoral concerns in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian districts of south Kashmir.
Voter pledge campaigns were held to encourage citizens to take a pledge to vote through innovative campaigns, thereby instilling a sense of commitment towards exercising their democratic rights.
School outreach programmes were also held to engage with schools and educational institutions to incorporate electoral literacy into the curriculum and encourage students to become ambassadors of electoral awareness within their communities.
The credit for the successful SVEEP campaign in Kashmir goes to senior IAS officer and Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole, who extended all possible support for making the SVEEP campaign a success.
I am thankful to all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all the districts of Kashmir and Poonch and Rajouri region for extending a helping hand in organizing the activities of the SVEEP across the three parliamentary constituencies going to polls in the next three phases.
I particularly extend my gratitude to DC Srinagar, Bilal Mohuiddin Bhat; DC Budgam, Akshay Labroo; DC Ganderbal, Shayambir; DC Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom, DC Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; DC Bandipora, Shakeeul-ur-Rehman Rather; DC Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan; DC Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat; DC Poonch, Yaseen Muhammad Chaudhary; and DC Anantnag, Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid for their innovative work and for going out of their way to ensure the SVEEP campaign in Kashmir reached every nook and corner of the Valley.
The success of democracy hinges upon the active participation of its citizens, and SVEEP activities play a pivotal role in fostering this participation. Through strategic planning and concerted efforts, we have endeavored to bridge the gap between citizens and the electoral process in Kashmir.
While challenges persist, the journey towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy is well underway, with each SVEEP initiative bringing us closer to our goal of a vibrant and engaged electorate in Kashmir. As we look towards the future, let us continue our efforts to empower every citizen with the knowledge and awareness necessary to shape the destiny of our nation through the power of their vote.
(The author is Nodal Officer Media, Chief Electoral Office, J&K)
