In order to create awareness among voters on the eve of forthcoming panchayat elections in State, the Association for Democratic Reforms along with various civil societies has decided to launch a massive voters’ awareness campaign. The ADR cadres along with various civil society members will create voters on voting those candidates who have presence in society through their work. The ADR members will also urge voters to reject candidates on the basis of caste and religion.
The ADR in this connection on Thursday held a workshop at Gossner College premises which was attended by members across the state. The ADR members were asked to visit across the state to create voting awareness.
The workshop was attended by several eminent dignitaries, celebrities, young volunteers, social workers, activists from all over the State. Speakers on this occasion called for active participation of voters to ensure free, fair & violence free election. This campaign would create larger voter’s awareness to increase voter’s turnout and promote ethical voting.
ADR State Coordinator Sudhir Pal said, “At the workshop it was decided that ADR cadres will also create awareness on the voting right of women along with power and duties of elected women representatives.” Pal said it has been observed that despite 50 per cent seats reserved for women in local bodies, fair sex are not getting enough representation in local bodies as elected women representatives are dummy members while the husband or other male members are working in behest of these elected representatives.
The ADR members will create awareness among women members about how to discharge administrative duties along with power provided to local bodies by the Constitution. Issue of corruption and money power will also be raised by ADR members in the election. The ARD workshop will conclude on Friday. On the first day of the workshop more than 100 ADR members along with Civil society members attended the workshop.
The process of filing nomination papers began in 72 blocks under 21 districts on Monday. As per the State Election Commission office, the first phase of elections will be held in 21 districts except Koderma, Khunti and Jamtara districts. The elections will be held in 72 blocks of 21 districts, for 14,079 posts of ward members, 1 127 posts of mukhiya, panchayat samiti members. Nominations can be filed till April 23 for 1 405 posts and 146 posts of zillaparishad members. The first phase of polls will be held on May 14 and counting will take place on May 17.