Srinagar, May 14: In a concerted effort to bolster voter awareness and participation in the electoral process, the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) has launched a series of special voter enrollment and electoral participation (SVEEP) programs across the Kashmir Valley.
The initiative aims to educate and mobilize the populace, particularly women, to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
According to a senior ICDS official, numerous SVEEP programs have been organized at various locations, including a recent event at Townhall Handwara, where hundreds of ICDS workers clad in pink attire actively participated. During these sessions, attendees were not only urged to visit households to disseminate information about voting but were also enlightened about the significance of their vote in shaping the democratic process.
The pivotal role of these ICDS workers as “pink ambassadors” was underscored by the official, highlighting their important task of educating and mobilizing their communities. The success of these initiatives has been evident, with positive responses and increased awareness witnessed among the populace.
Abida War, an ICDS supervisor, expressed satisfaction with the Election Commission of India’s decision to establish separate polling stations for women, which she hailed as a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity in the electoral process. She highlighted the historical struggle for women’s suffrage, highlighting the importance of not squandering this hard-earned right.
“We have no right to waste our votes,” asserted War, highlighting the responsibility of every citizen, regardless of gender, to participate in the democratic process. She underscored the equality between men and women in today’s society, stressing the need for equal participation in shaping the nation’s future.
The SVEEP programs, ongoing for the past two months, have been instrumental in fostering a culture of informed and active citizenship throughout the Kashmir Valley. With a focus on achieving a robust voter turnout, these initiatives serve as a cornerstone in promoting democratic values and empowering particularly women to actively engage in the electoral process.
Home voting commences in Baramulla
Baramulla, May 14: ‘Vote from Home’ facility for the voters aged 85-years plus (AVSC) and Persons with Disabilities (AVPD) in Baramulla district commenced from Tuesday, 14th May with 449 registered elderly and PwD electors of the district exercising their right to vote from within the confines of their homes.
A total of 155 elderly residents above 85 years of age and 294 PwD voters with over 40% locomotive disabilities from across all the seven assembly segments of the district have opted for the Postal Ballot facility from home.
During the home voting process which will continue till 16th of May, the poll parties along with voting facilities are being dispatched to the house of eligible voters at the addresses mentioned on their already filled 12D forms, to collect their votes.
A total of 39 dedicated teams have been constituted in the district, with each team composed of two polling officials, Micro Observer, Videographer and Security personnel, collecting votes of eligible voters under the prescribed guidelines of ECI. Besides, the Political Parties and Contesting Candidates have also been informed to appoint their representatives to watch the process.
The teams are also visiting the Border villages of 09-Uri AC viz. Dudran, Chotali, Gager Hill, Maidanan, Darakunjan and Tough Terrains of upper Belt of Rafiabad AC to facilitate all such AVPD and AVSC voters to exercise their right to franchise.
District Election Officer, Baramulla, Minga Sherpa said that meticulous arrangements have been made by the district administration to facilitate the eligible voters to exercise their democratic right through the postal ballot facility.
