The Office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab on Friday conducted an Evaluation Programme for Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) here. As many as 111 ROs and AROs from across the state participated in this programme and underwent two online tests, based on general knowledge about conducting elections.
Tests were conducted under the supervision of Section Officer Yogesh Saharan, who was deputed as Invigilator by the ECI. CEO Punjab Dr S Karuna Raju, Additional CEO Amandeep Kaur and Joint CEO Inder Pal Singh were also present during the programme. Dr Raju, while congratulating all the ROs and AROs for successfully undergoing the evaluation programme said that it was not a test or examination but it was an effort by the ECI to give more information about conducting elections ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections 2022.
He said that ROs and AROs play a vital role in conducting elections. He asked them to discharge their duties very responsibly to ensure free, fair, safe and secure elections.
Meanwhile, the CEO also briefed ROs and AROs about the District Election Management Plan.
CEO REACHES OUT TO TRANSGENDERS TO GET THEM ENROLL AS VOTERS
Calling Transgenders an important part of the society, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab Dr S Karuna Raju on Thursday solicited their support and participation in upcoming Punjab Assembly Elections 2022 for shaping democracy. The CEO, accompanied by Additional CEO Amandeep Kaur, was holding a virtual meeting with representatives of Transgender community to chalk out strategy for 100% enrolment of eligible Transgender electors so that they can exercise their franchise in Assembly Elections. Yashwinder Singh and Manoj Benjwal from The Humsafar Trust, Smriti Acharya and Archana Shetty from Netreach, while, Mohini Mahant and Madan from Mansa Foundation participated in the meeting.
The CEO apprised that various activities under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme are being conducted to sensitise Transgenders of their voting rights. “This time, we are creating awareness under the slogan 'Mahila, Purush Atte Transgender, Loktantar Vich Sab Brabar' to encourage third-gender voters to cast their votes,” he said. He also accepted the demand of the representatives of Transgender community to organise a workshop or seminar to sensitise the Transgender voters about their right of vote.