Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: Several youngsters thronged the city museum Sunday to get a copy of their electoral identity cards in order to make sure they exercise their right to vote during elections, in a programme held to mark National Voters Day.
The excitement of the enthusiastic newly-registered voters knew no bounds when they came to know they would be presented their voter cards by none other than Governor S C Jamir. The Governor gifted the youngsters their voter cards in the presence of Mona Sharma, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and R N Senapati, State Election Commissioner.
The Governor while speaking on the occasion said, “Our country enjoys the status of the world’s largest democracy. Day by day, the desire of youngsters to involve themselves in the electoral process is increasing. The high turnout in the past few elections proves democracy in our country is strengthening. The Election Commission too has been doing admirable work in this regard. The move by the poll panel to embrace technology has yielded good results. I urge the new voters and citizens to exercise their franchise and strengthen democracy.”
Mona Sharma while talking to reporters said, “The response of people registering for voting has been appreciable. However, there have been discrepancies in some cases. Many people out of ignorance or some other reason fail to abide by rules. I hope such issues will be resolved and we will see even better turnout in the days to come.”
Gahadu Mirdha, additional secretary to the government, said, “Let us come forward and be a part of the democratic process. A good nation comprises good citizens. There is a need for awareness among the citizens so that we can strengthen our democratic society further.”
Soon after the event, young voters who received their identity cards for the first time were seen celebrating and clicking pictures of them with their voter cards. S K Paribesh Prasad, an engineering student from ITER, said he was very happy after being issued with his voter card. “I’m really excited to have gotten my voter card for the first time. I waited a long time for this and I’m very eager for the day when I’ll get a chance to vote. What’s even better is that this card looks visually striking unlike the earlier black and white ones. This card resembles an ATM card or a driving license card and pictures and details are clearly inscribed,” Prasad said.
Later, a photo exhibition to create awareness among the citizens on voting rights was organised by the Election Commission. National Voters’ Day is celebrated January 25 every year in order to commemorate the foundation day of the poll panel.
