In an appreciable gesture which could set an example for others, the management of the Social Baluni Public School (SBPS) here has decided to provide bonus marks to the students whose parents would exercise their franchise in the upcoming assembly elections. The school would give additional five marks to the student whose mother and father cast their vote on February 15. Two and half marks would be given if only one of the parents is able to vote on the day of polling.
The vice principal of the school, Alka Rana announced the decision of the school at the morning assembly on Wednesday. She said that the parents should upload their selfie showing their inked finger and sent it on the mobile number provided. They should also mention their own name, name and class of their ward and name of the polling centre for bonus marks for their wards, she said.
The managing director of the SBPS, Bipin Baluni told The Pioneer that the objective behind the idea is to motivate the parents to vote. “Who else other than children can put pressure on any one for exercising franchiseIJ There are many people who prefer to remain indoors on the day of polling which is not good for democracy. By this provision of bonus marks I am sure that the parents would be prompted to vote,’’ he said.
The school's decision has elicited favourable response with the people. Retired government school principal US Gusain said that such efforts would increase the awareness about voting among the masses. He said that other schools should also take such initiatives so that more and more people are prompted to come out of their homes for voting.