Systemic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) ratha (chariot) decorated with flex banners reading the slogan, ‘Complete participation for a longer democracy’ to educate the voters was flagged off by District Collector Dr Sashi Bhusan Padhi here on Wednesday. This will move around the villages and city thorough fares to spread awareness among voters about the value of active participation in democracy and exercising their franchis
On this occasion, an orientation programme of NSS Campaign Ambassadors from several colleges of six districts- Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangapur, Nuapada and Kalahandi — was also held here.
While District Programme Officer of NSS Dr Archana Pattanaik welcomed the dignitaries, Deputy Collector SK Madina moderated the inaugural session.
Rayagada Sub-Collector PK Mishra explained the reason for Chief Electoral Officer’s engagement with NSS. He said, “About 30 to 35 per cent voters abstain from exercising their franchise and the SVEEP rath will create awareness among them.” Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Raghuram Iter said that CEO engaged with several partners to do the job and NSS was one among them.
Of the total 16.5 lakh youth population, there are only 12.5 lakh voters in the district, for which NSS units have been roped in to use their services.
Through the campaign, the NSS will emphasise on the enrolment of youth and EVM awareness. The campus ambassadors will motivate the youth to exercise their franchise, by using different methodologies such as rangoli, poster, slogan writing, quiz competitions.
Collector and District Election Officer Dr SB Padhi said that this programme was held here because of strategic reasons. Due to some reasons, Ganjam could not participate. “Democracy is the backbone of election and voter list is the foundation. Summary revision of electoral roll and inclusion of new voters is a must. In Rayagada, the sex ratio is 1026 and voter sex ratio is 1106. Women participation in casting votes is relatively better. About 96 per cent voters have photographs appended in the voter list which will certainly lead to a hassle-free voting,” he said.
Generally, before coming to the booth, the voters take chits from the agents of political parties carrying their serial numbers. Often, these chits bear the party symbol and name of the candidate. Finally they refrain from voting. “We have a plan to engage volunteers without any party affiliation to do the same job,” said the Collector.
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