The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi, Dr. Ranbir Singh interacted with Heads of various Departments in a virtual meeting to seek co-operation for creating awareness amongst their employees, their families and clients/consumers regarding voter registration and electoral services during the ongoing Special Summary Revision -2022.
He directed all government departments to establish Voter Awareness Forums (VAF’s).
These departments included the DTC, Women and Child Development, NDMC, SDMC, EDMC, DMRC, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Police and Delhi Cantonment Board, among others.
According to the CEO, establishing these forums will make their employees and their families more aware of voter verification and electoral services through engaging activities and hands-on experience.
Dr. Singh further said that Voter Awareness Forums will operate in all government departments, non-governmental organisations and institutions, corporations, and other organisations. All employees of the concerned office are eligible to join. Head of each organization/departments/office will appoint one person to serve as the Nodal Officer.
An officer with previous election experience would be given preference. For VAF Resources, the nodal officer will work with the DEO/DM or the State CEO. The essential feature of VAF’s will be inculcating the electoral culture for informed, inclusive and ethical voting, appreciation of EVM and VVPAT and use of other technology in electoral processes, obliteration of voter apathy especially in urban areas.
Dr. Singh further said, “Government Departments can play a pivotal role in implementing in true spirit the mission of the ECI that no voter be left behind”. He urged all Delhi residents over the age of 18 to download the VoterHelpline app, which will provide them access to all of the Election Commission of India’s electoral services via their mobile phones. He informed that Divyang citizens should download the PwD app, which is a fully accessible mobile app of the ECI.
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he observed that online services would be quicker, more convenient, and safer. Apart from the mobile apps, www.nvsp.in also offers online electoral services. Citizens can phone the ECI’s helpline No.1950 for any questions or assistance from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. on all days except national holidays.