Jammu, Jan 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the 15th National Voters’ Day Celebrations at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, today.
During the event, he congratulated the Chief Electoral Officer of J&K and his team for receiving the prestigious Best Performing State/UT Award from the Election Commission of India.
Expressing his gratitude, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the collective efforts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, officials of the National Election Commission, Election Department, Police, security forces, and other stakeholders for the fair and transparent conduct of the Lok Sabha and J&K Legislative Assembly elections. He stated, “The historic voter turnout in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections reflects the strong faith of the people of J&K in democratic values and a renewed spirit of civic participation. It signals a new era, where democracy is deeply rooted and driven by the will of the people.”
Sinha highlighted the meticulous planning and vigilance by the Election Commission, which ensured smooth and streamlined elections, with no repolls required. He emphasized that all political parties unanimously acknowledged the elections as the most fair, transparent, peaceful, and spectacular in Jammu and Kashmir’s history.
“Our cultural ethos emphasizes democratic values of freedom, equality, and inclusiveness, providing every citizen an opportunity to live a quality and dignified life. India, known as the ‘Mother of Democracy’, is a beacon of democratic ideals, and it is heartening to see the world learning from our example,” the Lieutenant Governor remarked.
Addressing the theme for this year’s National Voters’ Day, “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure,” Sinha underlined the importance of every vote, emphasizing that voting transcends all barriers and reflects the true spirit of democratic rights.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the efforts of the Chief Electoral Office in the successful summary revision of electoral rolls following delimitation. He noted the preparation of a comprehensive voters’ list of 89 lakh voters and the efficient conduct of voting across all 11,838 polling stations. He stressed that the significant increase in voter turnout stands as a testament to the dedication of the election machinery in the Union Territory.
Further emphasizing voter awareness, Sinha encouraged continuous campaigns to educate all sections of society about the power of their vote. He added that the main objective of National Voters’ Day celebrations is to motivate eligible youth to participate in the electoral process.
The Lieutenant Governor also extended congratulations to Sh. Harvinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Doda, and Ms. PD Nitya, SSP Pulwama, who were honored for their exemplary electoral practices. On this occasion, he administered the National Voters’ Day pledge to the attendees.
In addition, the Lieutenant Governor recognized several key individuals for their contributions to the successful conduct of the elections, presenting UT-level awards to officials such as Ms. Sara Rizvi, DIG IR Jammu, Sh. Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, and Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, among others.
The event also saw the flagging off of a mobile vehicle, “Democracy on Wheels,” designed to educate students about the importance of voting and the election process. Sinha also inaugurated the Regional EVM Warehouse in Jammu and felicitated newly registered voters.
The cultural segment of the event featured performances by artists from Natrang, NGO Muskaan, Jigar Foundation, School for the Blind, and local college students, all of which highlighted the significance of voting. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated these performances for their powerful message.
In a video message, Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner of India, congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion.
The event was also attended by B.R. Sharma, Election Commissioner of J&K; Shaheen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home; senior officials; heads of departments; and prominent citizens.
LG attends Laser & Sound show on R-Day eve at Blue Green Project
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Laser and Sound show on the eve of Republic Day at the Blue Green Project, Ranbir Canal, Jammu.
The Laser and Sound Show, organised by Jammu Smart City Limited and Jammu Municipal Corporation, showcased India’s history, the contributions of our freedom fighters, and the nation’s developmental journey.
The eco-friendly and pedestrian-friendly Blue Green Project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being executed by Jammu Smart City to improve the quality of life for residents.
The project stretch along Ranbir Canal has been transformed into a vibrant public space with various facilities, including walkways, seating areas, a children’s park, high-quality lighting, water ATMs, an open-air gym, a selfie point, and public utilities.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups, displaying the rich art and crafts of Jammu and Kashmir.
