National Voters’ Day celebrated in Haryana

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, JAN 25

 National Voters’ Day was celebrated throughout Haryana in a befitting manner today. A State Level function was organized at D.A.V Public School sector 14, Faridabad to celebrate this day where Haryana Governor, Mr. Jagannath Pahadia was chief guest and Chief Secretary, Mr. P.K. Chaudhery was guest of honour.

          Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pahadia urged the youth and women to take part in the democratic process of election. He said that there is a need to stop the use of money and power in elections. He said that people would have to think about the interest of the nation by rising above parochial differences of caste and creed. He also distributed prizes to state level winners of poster making, slogan writing and debate competitions.

          Mr. Chaudhery urged the young voters to get themselves registered in a large number. He said that there is a need to spread awareness among common people, especially the  youth, women through rallies, plays, poster making competitions in schools and colleges, slogan writing and debate competitions. Stressing on the need of organizing programme at block level, district level and State level, he said that  attractive prize should be given to winners of these competitions.

          The Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Shrikant Walgad who is also Commissioner and Secretary, Haryana Election Department said that over 8.04 lakh eligible voters have been included in the revised lists of voters published on January 15. He said that a total of 1.46 crore voters are registered in the State including 66.99 lakh females and 79.84 lakh males. He said that 5.3 lakh voters were added in summary revision of the year 2012. The Elector Population Ratio (EPR) was 52.80 per cent as published in the draft list on October 1, 2012. On the basis of population, the EPR should be 59.23 per cent. He said that after summary revision, the EPR is 55.67 per cent. He said that out of the total eight lakh new voters added in the recent revision, about seven lakh voters are between the age group of 18 to 39 years.

          Mr. Walgad said that a massive awareness drive was launched through radio, television, newspapers and state transport buses to make people more aware about voters registration. In order to inspire voters, about 24 lakh people have been informed through SMS, he added.