New initiatives to make voting an enjoyable activity
Chandigarh, March 18, 2014: The Election Commission of India has no objection to the proposal of Excise & Taxation department, Punjab for allotment of liquor vends, and however, the draw of lots shall be done by the officers only. This was disclosed here today by Raminder Singh, Additional Chief Electoral Officer while interacting with media persons.
Singh informed that taking a serious note of complaints regarding the defacement of government building by political parties in Ludhiana, the CEO has ordered district administration to remove all the posters or hoardings and the expenditure being incurred on removing these should be charged from the concerned parties.
Later interacting with media, B. Purushartha, Additional CEO (SVEEP) said that in view of election development programme, number of initiatives were being taken to encourage more and more voters not only for getting them enroll but also to use their franchise that too ethically. He said that the special emphasis was on to involve young especially first time voters by making voting an enjoyable activity. He said that some Deputy Commissioners have tied up with various hotels and restaurants to extend a special rebate for voters on the poll day besides making arrangements like sweetened drinking water or tea and handing over a appreciation letter to all those voters who have voted first time. Besides this, the comfort of voters would be top priority and basic arrangements like separate washrooms, tentage and ramps for physically challenged persons. He said that a special android application was also being developed so that the youngsters or tech savvy voters could share their experience or photograph of polling booth with their friends. He said that the way response was being extended to SVEEP initiatives, the Punjab would touch the target of more than 80% voting.
Meanwhile, 65759 licensed arms have been got deposited and 2,900 special police nakas were put on different places till date. Besides this 2599 out of 3534 non-bailable warrants have also been executed.
Raminder Singh and B. Purushartha, both Additional Chief Electoral Officers interacting with media persons at Chandigarh on Tuesday.