Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 March 2024
In a proactive move to engage with the younger demographic ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Mr. B S Jaglan, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, paid a visit to the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) located in Dollygunj on March 13, 2024. During his visit, Mr. Jaglan interacted with both students and staff, emphasizing the critical importance of active participation in the electoral process.
Addressing the students, Mr. Jaglan underscored the significance of voter registration, stressing that individuals can only exercise their right to vote if their names are included in the official voter list. He urged students who are eligible but have not yet registered, to utilise various platforms such as the “Voter Helpline App” and online websites provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to apply for registration. Additionally, he encouraged them to verify their names in the voter list/electoral roll through these channels or by calling the Toll-Free No. 1950 for any electoral-related queries.
Furthermore, Mr. Jaglan appealed to the students to not only cast their own votes but also to motivate their family members and neighbours to participate in the electoral process, emphasising the collective pride in contributing to the democratic exercise.
During the interaction, the enthusiasm of first-time voters was palpable, reflecting a growing eagerness to actively engage in the electoral process.
Highlighting the technological advancements made by the ECI, Mr. Jaglan briefed the students on various IT applications designed to facilitate voter registration and provide access to election-related services. He particularly emphasised the Voter Helpline App, which has garnered significant popularity among citizens for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive services, ranging from voter registration to correction of demographic details in the electoral roll.
In conclusion, Mr. Jaglan reiterated his call to all young voters to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha – 2024, emphasizing the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the future of the nation through their active participation in the democratic process.