SHIMLA: IN a bid to enhance voter participation, Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg chaired a meeting today and urged officers to leveraging the extensive network of partner departments and corporations for voter education.
The meeting, held under the aegis of the Election Commission of India (ECI), spotlighted collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a more informed and inclusive electoral process across the state.
Addressing senior officials, Garg highlighted the slew of innovative measures undertaken by the election department, guided by the ECI's directives, to encourage greater voter turnout in Himachal Pradesh.
Emphasizing the need for proactive engagement, Garg urged collaborating departments to spearhead voter education initiatives, leveraging their vast infrastructure to reach every corner of the state.
Presentations showcasing various initiatives proposed by the ECI were also featured during the meeting.
Notably, Garg directed the Food and Civil Supplies department, along with the Civil Supplies Corporation, to intensify voter awareness campaigns by installing hoardings and banners at all Petrol Pumps and Fair Price Shops. He urged the Indian Oil Corporation to promptly install hoardings at over 700 petrol pumps statewide, while also instructing LPG distributors to utilize danglers featuring voter awareness messages on gas cylinders.
Furthermore, Garg underscored the potential of bus stands and railway stations as platforms for disseminating SVEEP-themed messages through public announcement systems, alongside routine announcements.
The concerted efforts, he stressed, are crucial for maximizing voter awareness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Bye-elections in the region.
Adding valuable insights to the discussion, Additional CEO Dalip Negi contributed to the meeting, which was attended by Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Ram Kumar Gautam, assistant CEONeelam Dulta, senior officers from Food and HP State Civil Supplies Corporation, and representatives from the Indian Oil Corporation and others.
