Journalist’s of Udupi Pledge to Cast their Vote for Lok Sabha Polls

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Journalist’s of Udupi Pledge to Cast their Vote for Lok Sabha Polls

Udupi: The Journalists of Udupi pledged during the SWEEP awareness camp at the Udupi Press Club on Saturday, March 23 to participate in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls with enthusiasm and fervor to strengthen the roots of democracy in the country.

Hephsiba Rani Korlapati deputy commissioner of Udupi district, who presided over the awareness camp said, “The district administration has made all arrangements for the voters in every polling station. This time the election commission of India has asked to take more care of the specially-abled in the district. Ramp and wheelchair arrangements will be made in all the polling booths on the day of polling to make them cast their votes freely and fearlessly. More such awareness programmes will be held in the district”.

The DC pointed out that the Constitution guarantees its citizens the maximum rights and privileges, including choosing their representatives in the government. Likewise, the Election Commission of India too strives to provide the maximum possible facilities for the voters to ensure free and fair elections.

Every responsible citizen should vote to elect their representatives for a better society. In a democratic form of government, it is the responsibility of every individual to cast their vote. She appealed to the residents of the subdivision to contribute towards making Indian democracy more egalitarian, comprehensive and meaningful by voting fearlessly and without any bias.

This apart all basic amenities and special facilities for the elderly and physically challenged voters will be provided. A helpline, 1950, has been set up to help voters verify their names in the electoral roll, she said.

The DC has also appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration to check irregularities and malpractices during the elections. Incidents like the violation of the model code of conduct, efforts to lure voters and others could be contained more effectively if the public cooperates with the administration. The Election Commission has launched a mobile application to help people bring irregularities and malpractices during elections to the notice of the authorities.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Sindu Rupesh said, “In order to ensure free and fair Assembly elections, the district administration has already started the voter education and awareness programme, under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, about the functioning, usage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines”.
Sindu further said, “We have conducted awareness drives at the booth-level, aimed to cover every voter. The authorities concerned have already conducted awareness sessions with major stakeholders such as the political party leaders. During the programme, the team members will explain to the voters on how to cast their votes using the EVM and how VVPAT functions and how it allows the voters to verify their vote. The teams will also educate the people about None of the above (NOTA) option and other initiatives.”

She also said, “The SVEEP committee will also focus on creating awareness about voting among persons with disabilities. As they find it difficult to cast their vote due to various reasons. The SVEEP committee will make all efforts to provide better amenities for such voters in the district. Officials concerned would also hold mock voting at various locations to educate people on using the EVMs”.

After the awareness programme, senior journalist Ganesh Prabhu administered the oath to all present. Journalists took the oath to cast their vote and also motivate other eligible voters to cast their votes without fail.

Udupi district information officer Khader Shah was also present.


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