Shillong, Jan 25: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 11th National Voters Day 2021 at a function held at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. Meghalaya Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The theme for this year’s National Voters Day is, “Making our voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed.”
Addressing the gathering, Mr.Satya Pal Malik lauded the efforts put in by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer along with the District Election Offices in leaving no stones unturned in ensuring that the young voters take part in the electoral process.
He stated that due to the Covid -19 pandemic in the previous year, the Election Department was compelled to use virtual platforms for disseminating various voter’s education programmes, awareness and campaigns and it is noteworthy to state that the department had introduced E – EPIC which is portable and downloadable.
He further stated that it was a matter of pride that Meghalaya has been awarded the Best Electoral Practices Award 2021 for conducting the 2018 Assembly Elections by the Election Commission of India and hoped that the award would encourage the Election Department to strive for better results.
He expressed happiness over the 2.59% increase in voting percentage and increase in female voters turnout by 3.50% in the last election compared to the previous years. He also encouraged and urged all the eligible youth of the state to enroll, exercise their rights and to take part in keeping the flame of Democracy alive.
Kum. I Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, during her address stressed on the need of active participation of the youth in the electoral process. She stated that because of the Covid -19 pandemic, the electoral process was faced with many constraints.
However she expressed happiness over the hard work and commitment by the field level functionaries and other stakeholders in ensuring the enrolment programmes were successful. She also stated that the Office of the District Election Officer had tied up and involved the traditional heads such as Headmen and Sordars of various localities to help in disseminating information and identifying new and prospective voters.
On the occasion, the Governor gave away prizes to the winners of the various competitions organised by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in collaboration with Meghalaya Model United Nations. Awards were also presented to best BLOs and distributed EPICS to newly enrolled voters. The Meghalaya Atlas and ELC Anthology were also released on the day and the Governor also inaugurated the art and photography Exhibition at the Multi – Cultural Hall, Raj Bhavan.
Earlier the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Kum. I Laloo flagged of the Wheels of Democracy Cycle Rally from Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides, Shillong. The rally culminated at Raj Bhavan, Shillong.
