The office of the Deputy Commissioner, Election Branch, West Jaintia Hills celebrated the 15th National Voters today in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Election branch. The event began with a pledge reading led by Deputy Commissioner Shri. B.S Sohliya where all attendees reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic values and actively participating in the electoral process. Deputy Commissioner, B.S Sohliya, appreciated the first time voters who have received their Voter ID cards, he commended them for following the prescribed procedure laid down by the Election Commission of India (ECI) rather than merely requesting the ID’s directly from the office of the Deputy Commissioner. ‘This clearly shows the maturity and sense of responsibility among our voters, Sohliya remarked.B.S Sohliya also thanked the District ICONs Smt. Sawakani Lakiang and Shri. Alexander Lyngdoh for working hand in hand with the office of the deputy commissioner election branch and for their efforts in helping the youths to understand the significance of having a Voter ID card and raising awareness about pressing issues such as drugs. He advised the young voters to safeguard their voter ID card just like the other documents, to ensure that they are neither lost nor damaged.The Deputy Commissioner also encouraged all eligible citizens to actively participate in the electoral process and uphold and democratic values of the nation. In her introductory address, Additional Deputy Commissioner Smt. DV Lyngdoh provided a detailed overview of the National voters Day celebration. She highlighted that the day is observed annually on January 25 to commemorate the foundation of the Election Commissioner of India which was established 25th January, 1950.Smt. Lyngdoh emphasised that the primary objection of the National Voters Day is to encourage and facilitate voter registration, especially for first time voters and to promote informed and enthusiastic participation in the electoral process. This year’s theme, “Nothing like voting, I vote for Sure,” symbolizes the significance of all individuals voting in strengthening democracy.ADC elaborated on the symbolic importance of the National Voters Day logo which showcases inclusivity and festivity. The Ashoka Chakra represents India’s status as the world’s largest democracy, the inked finger signifies active voter participation and the tick mark reflects the act of making a responsible choice.She further informed that the NVD is celebrated across all 230-polling station in the four assembly constituencies 1- Nartiang, 2- Jowai, 3- Raliang and 4- Mowkaiaw where Booth level officers carried out activities such as pledge reading and felicitation of newly enrolled voters.
Shri. Alexander Lyngdoh and Smt. Sawakani Lakiang, the district icons expressed their gratitude to the office of the Deputy Commissioner Election for appointing them as District Icons. Shri Alexander said “I am very grateful for being chosen as the PWD Icon of the district. For the past few elections, ECI has placed special focus for persons with disabilities (PWD) in the electoral process, both enrollment and voting, He encouraged all PWD electors who have reached 18 years of age and do not have their Voter ID to come forward and enroll themselves.
As part of the celebration, Voter ID cards were distributed to few newly enrolled voters by the Deputy Commissioner Shri. B.S Sohliya, IAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Smt. B. Blah and Smt. D V Lyngdoh and Assistant Commissioner Shri. F. Passah. Memento of appreciation was also presented to Smt. Sawakani Lakaing and Shri. Alexander the district icons, for their outstanding contribution to promoting voter awareness and participation.
A total of 2827 new enrolled voters were felicitated today at their respective polling stations, adding a total of 166728 voters in the four four assembly constituencies 1- Nartiang, 2- Jowai, 3- Raliang and 4- Mookaiaw.
Prizes were also distributed to winners of the drawing competition conducted by District School Education Officer, Jowai.
The programme was attended also by the Rangbah shnong, BLOs, newly enrolled voters and staff of Election branch.