SHIMLA: In a bid to enhance voter participation in the upcoming elections, the Election Department of Himachal Pradesh has initiated a campaign dubbed "22 Going to 72."
This mission aims to elevate the voter turnout from the previous 72.42 percent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections across 22 assembly constituencies where turnout fell below 70 percent.
Chief Electoral Officer, Maneesh Garg, unveiled the campaign, emphasizing its focus on engaging apolitical figures as constituency icons to encourage voter turnout. Additionally, children will design invitation cards distributed to potential voters.
The initiative extends to activating Booth Awareness groups and Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) to conduct campaigns promoting electoral awareness.
Voters Awareness Forums (VAFs) will be established in government offices and industrial organizations to address the issue of low turnout among employees, who will be questioned about their abstention despite being granted paid leave during the last general elections.
Furthermore, nodal officers will be designated in these establishments to monitor employee participation and ensure accountability. Cultural activities and wall signature campaigns are also slated to be launched on a significant scale as part of the endeavor.
The "22 Going to 72" campaign signifies a concerted effort to foster a robust democratic process by mobilizing citizens and increasing voter engagement across Himachal Pradesh.
Title: Essential Services Notified:
Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh, Maneesh Garg, announced that essential service personnel will be allowed to vote via postal ballots in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly by-elections.
The categories included are Health Department (Doctors, Para Medical Staff, Ambulance services), Fire services, Himachal Road Transport Corporations (Drivers, Conductors excluding local route bus services), H.P. State Milk Federation and Milk Cooperative Societies (Staff on Milk supply service), Local Media Persons authorized by Election Commission of India, Irrigation and Public Health (Pump Operators, Turners), Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (Electricians, Line-men), and Jail Staff.
Designated Postal Voting Centres (PVCs) at Assembly Constituency levels will facilitate voting for eligible personnel based on their applications in Form 12D, on dates notified by respective ROs/AROs. Departments are instructed to nominate nodal officers for employee facilitation.
