Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Field Office Kohima held an Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme on Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) on 21st February 2023 at St. Xavier College and Navodaya Vidyalaya in Jaluki Town under Peren district.
Addressing the students as Resource Person, District Level Master Trainer, Zekope Thele said the future lies in the hands of the youth and called them to contribute towards nation-building by participating in the electoral process and electing responsible and right leaders. He said the main objective of SVEEP is to facilitate the electorates, especially the first-time voters in the electoral process. Thele said it is a flagship programme of the Election Commission of India (ECI) with the purpose to educate, create awareness and promote voters literacy in the country. He said it is a multi-intervention programme that reaches out to every citizen about the electoral process through various modes and mediums to promote informed participation in the polling process. He said SVEEP is designed according to the socio-economic, cultural, and demographic profile of the state as well as the history of election participation in the various states. Thele gave a detailed presentation on the Model Code of Conduct, the polling process, and the usage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT).
He also educated the young voters on the registration of votes and the alternative documents they can provide for proving their identity in case they do not possess an EPIC. Stressing on the right to secrecy of voting, Thele said no one can force a person to vote for a particular candidate. Appealing to the young voters to refrain from being tempted by various inducements, he said when they sell their votes, they are selling their rights. Thele cautioned the students against proxy voting and said when someone voted for someone else, they are taking away the rights of that particular person to vote. He informed the students about the c-Vigil App and said they can upload any reports about violations of the MCC. Thele assured the voters that their identity will not be exposed and they will remain anonymous and encouraged the young citizens to be vigilant against any misconduct.
Later, a similar programme was also organized at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Jaluki, where Resource Person Thele briefed the students about the electoral process of the country. The Private Registered Troup (PRT) of the Central Bureau of Communication performed various arts as an added attraction to the programme.
(DIPR)
