Pledging To Vote: A Decadal Journey of The National Voters' Day in India

PLEDGING TO
VOTE
A DECADAL JOURNEY
OF THE
NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY
IN INDIA
2021 2020 2019 2018
2017 2016 2015
2014 2013 2012 2011
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

Accessible
Inclusive
Ethical
Peaceful
Fair
Safe Free
OUR ELECTIONS ARE
Participative
Envisioned by: Umesh Sinha
Guided by: S.D. Sharma
Compiled by: Aarti Aggarwal
Supported by: Neha
Hringkan Sumpi
Mayank Shukla
January 2022
All rights reserved. The material (i.e writing, artwork and/ or photos) featured in this publication may be used or
reproduced with an acknowledgement to the Election Commission of India. Any material downloaded or copied
from this publication should be an exact reproduction and without any alteration whatsoever.
PLEDGING TO
VOTE
A DECADAL JOURNEY
OF THE
NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY
IN INDIA
ii « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India
Message from the
Chief Election Commissioner of India
Iam really glad to see that Commission’s publication ’Pledging

to Vote-A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India’ is
ready for release on the eve of unique NVD 2022 celebration that
coincides with 70 years of Indian Elections and the 75th year of
Indian Independence.
The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated all over the country
on January 25 every year since 2011 to mark the Foundation day
of Election Commission of India, which was established on this
day in the year 1950. The main purpose of the NVD celebration is
to encourage, facilitate and maximize enrollment, especially for
the new voters. New electors are felicitated with Electors Photo
Identity Card (EPIC) and a badge with its logo ‘Proud to be a
voter-Ready to Vote’. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the
Day is utilized to spread awareness among voters for promoting
informed and ethical participation in the electoral process through
a Pledge. SVEEP provides the celebration and efficient and
effective connect with over 95 Cr voters of the country. The annual
celebration reinforces Commission’s commitment and resolve
to make elections more and more inclusive, accessible, safe
and participative. The celebration extends to the vast expanse
of the country down to the remotest of polling station areas.
This institutionalization of the NVD makes it the largest annual
celebration of democracy in the world.
NVD celebration reminds us of our Constitutional Right of universal

adult suffrage granted to every Indian citizen irrespective of
religion, caste, community, language, region or socio economic
considerations. On this day, while reiterating abiding faith in
National Voters’ Day 2022 » iii

democracy, we renew and reiterate the resolve and take a ‘Pledge’ to uphold rich
democratic traditions of our country and the dignity of free, fair and peaceful
elections.
The publication ’Pledging to Vote-A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in
India’ captures a vivid account, both the pictorial and narrative, from its inception to
date. It is bound to serve as a reference document for all Stakeholders.
I congratulate Sh Umesh Sinha, Secretary General, ECI, Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow,

ECI and their entire team for conceptualizing and realizing this onerous task in a very
tight time frame.
Sushil Chandra
Chief Election Commissioner
Election Commission of India
iv « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

Message from the
Election Commissioner of India
Iam indeed very happy to see that Commission’s publication

’Pledging to Vote-A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’
Day in India’ is ready for release on the eve of unique NVD 2022
Celebrations that marks 70 years of Indian Elections and the 75th
year of Indian Independence.
NVD Celebration is a very strategic and important initiative of the

Election Commission of India that sets the tone for the yearlong
focused activities in for enhancing electoral participation on ECI’s
essential premise of ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’.
The theme for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in 2010 was

selected as ‘Greater Participation for a Stronger Participation’.
The yearlong events included programmes like improvement
in electors’ registration, expanding the coverage of Electoral
Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), voter-friendly measures, generating
awareness among voters, mobilization of the youth and civil
society partnership. The valedictory on 25th January 2011
witnessed the resolve of the Commission to celebrate thenceforth,
its Foundation Day, 25th January as the National Voters’ day. The
tradition and the model has served, sustained and progressed
as a ‘Best Practice’ for over a decade with a new and relevant
thematic value addition every year. This thematic progression has
helped the Commission in evolving strategies and action plans
for matching the emerging challenges and continued endeavor
for fulfillment of its commitment to its constitutional mandate of
conducting free, fair, inclusive, accessible, transparent and safe
elections.
National Voters’ Day 2022 » v

I congratulate Sh Umesh Sinha, Secretary General ECI, Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow
and their entire team for developing this document in a very short time frame.
The publication ’Pledging to Vote-A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day
in India’ provides a ‘One Stop’ source of consolidated information on Commission’s
support programmes for enhancing participation. It is a very valuable document and
is sure to serve as a reference document in shaping up future strategies in respect of
areas that need sharp focus and attention for enhancement in participation.
Rajiv Kumar
Election Commissioner
vi « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

Message from the
Election Commissioner of India
Iam very happy that Commission’s document ‘Pledging to Vote-A

Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India’ is ready for
the readership on the eve of these unique NVD 2022 celebrations
that mark 70 years of Indian elections taking place in the 75th year
of Indian independence.
The Election Commission of India was established on 25th

January, 1950. Coinciding with the conclusion of Diamond Jubilee
celebrations of the Election Commission in 2011, it was decided
that 25th January, its Foundation Day, will be observed as ‘National
Voters’ Day’. Popularly called as NVD celebration, it galvanizes
three core functions of the Commission that is the SVEEP, Voter
Registration and Integration Technology for enhancing electoral
participation on the premise of ‘No Voter to be left behind’. The
day is simultaneously celebrated at the national, state and district
levels down to over one million polling station areas of the country.
New Voters are felicitated and presented with EPIC and New
Electors are felicitated with Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and
badges with its logo ‘Proud to be a voter-Ready to Vote’. NVD
Pledge is administered to participants. National and State Awards
are given in appreciation of the meritorious work done during the
elections in the preceding year.
Every year, a new theme is carefully identified for NVD celebrations

to define the focus area for yearlong activities. The thematic
progression of NVD has acted as a catalyst for several strategic
programmes of the Commission for enhancing electoral
participation of all categories of voters with special focus on
National Voters’ Day 2022 » vii

inclusion of Gender, New and Future Voters, PwDs and Senior Citizens besides
integration of technology.
‘Pledging to Vote- A Decadal Journey of NVD in India’ presents a consolidated

picture of strategies, action plans and other interventions by the ECI from 2011
onwards that have supported the Commission in fulfillment of its Constitutional
mandate for free, fair, inclusive, accessible, transparent and participative elections.
I congratulate Sh Umesh Sinha, Secretary General, Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow

and their entire team who have developed this valuable publication in a very short
time frame.
I am sure that this publication will serve as a reference point for times to come and
prove useful in developing the framework for future NVD celebrations.
Anup Chandra Pandey

Election Commissioner
viii « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India
Foreword
It is my proud privilege and pleasure to present that Commission’s

document ’Pledging to Vote-A Decadal Journey of the National
Voters’ Day in India’ to the Readership on the eve of unique
NVD 2022 Celebrations that marks 70 years of Indian Elections
and happens to be a celebration in the 75th year of Indian
Independence.
‘Pledging to Vote- A Decadal Journey of NVD in India’ presents a

vivid picture NVD Celebrations both, pictorial and the text since
its inception. It includes speeches of the Dignitaries, speeches
of Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner, Messages, NVD Pledge
and whole lot of other rich resource material relating to the NVD.
These speeches and messages are very inspiring for gainful
wisdom in enhancing electoral participation of all the categories
of voters viz Women, PwD’s, Senior Citizens, Service Voters, Future
and New Voters. The images recall moments of pride and honor
for the Commission which has played a pivotal role in democratic
consolidation in the country by delivering free, fair, inclusive,
accessible, transparent, safe, peaceful and participative elections
during over 70 years of its glorious journey. Equally valuable for the
Award Winners and other stakeholders, the publication especially
its pictorials are sure to inspire millions of other personnel who
serve as ‘Frontline Warriors’ of Electoral Democracy’.
NVD has been institutionalized over the years. It connects the

ECI with over 95 Cr. Voters of the country spread over more
than 10 Lakh Polling Stations through SVEEP, ECI’s Flagship
Voter education programme. NVD is the largest simultaneous
celebration of democracy in the world and demonstrates the
National Voters’ Day 2022 » ix

strength and resilience of Indian Electoral System, the Election Commission of India and
democratic institutions of our country. The practice is emulated by many other countries.
We at the ECI felt that we must preserve these moments in well done up publication for
the chronicle and share them with stakeholders for all times to come. It would serve as a
source of inspiration, guidance and model for future celebrations. Of course, much more
has to be added to it in terms of contribution from States and the future celebrations.
I am grateful to Sh Sushil Chandra, Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner,

Sh Rajiv Kumar and Sh A C Pandey, Hon’ble Election Commissioners for their
valuable guidance, inspiration and support for working on this document.
I am thankful to Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow, ECI and former State Election

Commissioner, Dr Aarti Aggarwal Senior Consultant SVEEP, who with their team of
dedicated Consultants Ms Neha and Ms Hringkan Sumpi of India A-WEB Centre and
Mayank Shukla Consultant SVEEP put in untiring work in developing the document in a
very short time frame.
I am thankful to Sh Santosh Ajmera, Director SVEEP and his entire team for providing
valuable support of SVEEP Division in preparation of this document.
NVD’s Journey is a continuum as an integral part of electoral democracy in the country.

It will be prudent to update this publication as also expand its coverage to capture view
from ‘The Polling Station’ areas. We hope to do this early.
Umesh Sinha
Secretary General,
x « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION NVD NVD

2018 2014
2 51 111
NVD NVD NVD

2021 2017 2013
7 65 125
NVD NVD NVD

2020 2016 2012
23 77 135
NVD NVD NVD

2019 2015 2011
37 93 149
DIAMOND JUBILEE
CELEBRATIONS
161
National Voters’ Day 2022 » 1

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY 2022
Introduction
National Voters’ Day: A Unique Initiative
of Election Commission of India
Prologue the Council of Ministers, constitutional

and other dignitaries, former Chief
A rticle 324 Part XV Elections of the

Constitution of India that provides
for setting up of the Election Commission
Election Commissioners and members of
diplomatic corps.
of India was one of the exceptional About 40 Heads of Election Management

provisions that were brought in force on Bodies from across the world, including
26 November, 1949 while the rest of the the Commonwealth countries and the
Constitutional provisions were adopted South Asian neighbours attended the
later on 26th January, 1950. celebrations.
Election Commission of India came into Hon’ble President released a postage

existence on the 25th January, 1950. stamp, issued by the Department of
ECI celebrated 60 years of its illustrious Posts, Ministry of Communications and
journey on 25th Jan., 2010 and the year Information Technology to mark this
2010 was celebrated as Diamond Jubilee historic event. A book titled ‘Reinforcing
Year by the Election Commission of India Indian Democracy – Lok Sabha Election
and Chief Electoral Officers across the 2009’ was released by the Vice-
country. President and the first copy of the 250-
page publication was presented to the
The President of India inaugurated President. The Volume is a descriptive
the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of presentation with pictures and figures,
the Commission at Vigyan Bhawan, of the gigantic electoral exercise that
New Delhi. The Vice-President, the was done for constituting the 15th Lok
Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Sabha. The President also visited a photo
Union Ministers of Law & Justice and exhibition that included a perspective on
Communications and Information 60 years of the Election Commission.
Technology, Leader of the Opposition
in the Lok Sabha, Chairperson of the An International Symposium was
UPA and Convener of NDA graced the organized on 27th January, 2010 with the
occasion. Participation further included topic ‘Sharing Best Electoral Practices’.
the former President, Vice-President The topics of deliberation at the
and Prime Ministers, the Members of Symposium were:
2 « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

 Involving the Youth in Electoral Process; Mandate for Universal Adult Suffrage
 Voters Education: New Ways and Alliances; Mandate for universal equal suffrage emanates from
 Challenges in Management of Electoral Rolls; Article 326 of the Constitution. The mandate was
 Innovative Practices in Election Management. further enhanced with the Constitution (Sixty-first
Amendment) Act, 1988 that reduced the voting age to
Apart from delegates from Electoral bodies and related 18 years. As per its mandate, the Commission made
agencies from across the world, senior officials of sustained efforts to enroll all eligible electors. Yet,
the Election Commission of India, former CECs/ECs, voter apathy and lack of enrollment and participation
and members of the diplomatic corps attended the of certain sections of society, especially the new voters
deliberations. The Symposium provided a platform (18+) was a challenge. During the Diamond Jubilee
for knowledge sharing in election management celebration, the Commission had a focused analysis
and guidance for a roadmap to further strengthen of both, the enrollment and electoral participation
democratic processes. especially among the young voters.
The encouraging response to the event from The stage had been set for the unique initiative for
democracies across the world was a recognition of India’s times to come.
democratic tradition. Many visiting delegations had
sought bilateral discussions with the Election Commission
Introduction
during their visit for sharing the Indian experience and
processes of election management. These discussions The National Voters’ Day Launched
were formally taken up on 28 January 2010.
th
The Valedictory function of the Diamond Jubilee
celebration was organized on 25th January, 2011, the
‘Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy’ was next Foundation Day celebration of the Commission.
chosen as the theme for the Diamond Jubilee year The yearlong celebration culminated in unveiling
2010. Yearlong events and programmes were organized of a major initiative of the ECI to the effect that the
on relevant topics such as improvement in electors 25th of January, the Commission’s Foundation Day
registration, expanding the coverage of Electoral will be observed as the ‘National Voters’ Day’ every
Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), voter-friendly measures, year throughout the country starting from 1950 itself.
generating awareness among voters, mobilization of the Thus in the launch year, the day coincided with the
youth and civil society partnership. conclusion of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the
Commission. Newly eligible and registered voters with
Events organized during the year included five
01-01-2011 as qualifying date, were felicitated in over
Zonal Symposia on Sharing Best Electoral Practices.
8 lakh polling station areas in solemn ceremonies on
Commemorative Photo exhibitions on highlights of
25th January at the polling station level, Block, Tehsil
Indian elections were organized in different States and
level, District level and State level across the country.
Union Territories. Considered efforts were made to raise
Hon’ble President gave away Elector Photo Identity
awareness among voters about their rights and duties Cards (EPIC) to five such voters in the function in New
with the help of media, civil society organization and Delhi to mark the national level launch of the National
academic institutions. Participation of voters during Voters’ Day.
the General Elections to Legislative Assemblies of
Jharkhand held in 2009 and Bihar in 2010 witnessed The newly enrolled electors were also given a badge
reflected the impact. with slogan ‘Proud to be a Voter-Ready to Vote’ during
Introduction » 3
the felicitation ceremony along with their EPIC. They station area of the country, enroll them and hand
were also administered the following pledge: over their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) on 25th
January. The initiative enhances among citizenry,
‘We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith the sense of citizenship, empowerment and pride
in democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the in electoral participation as also to inspire them
democratic traditions of our country and the especially the young voters for ethical exercise of
dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections, and newly acquired franchise. Simultaneous celebrations
to vote in every election fearlessly and without are organized at the National level, State level, District
being influenced by considerations of religion, level down to the Polling Station level and that is what
race, caste, community, language or any constitutes the largest celebration of democracy in the
inducement’. world. The celebration galvanizes three core areas of
electoral process that is the SVEEP, Voter Registration
The initiative was envisaged to give the youth a and Information and Communication Technology
sense of citizenship, empowerment, pride and ethical to connect over 95 Cr. voters across the country
participation and also inspire them to exercise their and aimed at enhancing electoral participation in a
franchise, when the occasion comes. sustained manner.
Govt. of India, State Governments, State Election

NVD Celebration at Different Levels
Commissions, Political parties, Media, Civil Society,
 National level function is organized at New
Opinion Groups, etc. were associated with the event.
Delhi where mostly Hon’ble President of India
Several voters education activities were organized at
has graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The
the State, UT level including a multi-media campaign
event is marked by honoring election officials
to popularize electoral participation and democratic
for distinguished service during elections, Best
practices and dissemination of information about
Practices awards and Media awards etc. New
electoral processes.
voters and other stakeholders are also felicitated.
The main objective is to increase enrolment of voters, Kind words of guidance from Hon’ble President
especially of the newly eligible ones, by using this and CEC inspire citizens towards commitment to
occasion so as to make universal adult suffrage a maximize electoral participation.
reality and thereby enhance the quality of electoral  The Chief Electoral Officers organize
democracy in India. The day would also be utilized to similar celebration in association with State
spread awareness among voters regarding effective Administration, State Election Commission,
participation in the electoral process. Media, Civil Society organizations, educational
institutions, youth organizations, representatives
Practice of the NVD Celebration Institutionalised of political parties etc. Honorable Governor
As a measure of enhancing participation of citizens, of respective State presides over State level
especially the youth in democratic electoral process, functions.
ECI celebrates 25th January, its Foundation Day, as the  The District Election Officers organize similar
National Voters’ Day every year. A rigorous exercise events including voter education activities.
is taken up to identify all eligible voters attaining the Panchayats, academic institutions, civil society
age of 18 as on 1st January every year in each polling organizations, media, youth and as such all

citizens are involved. future voters. In this, Electoral Literacy Clubs project
 The Booth Level Officers in Polling Station areas for future and new voters has been launched at NVD,
felicitate new voters at a brief ceremony and hand 2018. Many ELC’s have already started operating
over Elector Photo Identity Card; in schools, colleges and communities besides
 The freshly eligible and registered voters are organizations.
given a badge with slogan “Proud to be a Voter –
Ready to Vote”; and participants are administered Regular voter education programmes for poll bound
the Pledge. states based on surveys, analysis and SVEEP Plans as
per the extant framework specified by the Commission
International Conferences, Seminars are organized have helped in enhancing participation.
around the NVD celebration for knowledge sharing on
NVD Awards
the selected theme.
‘NVD Award Winners’ are felicitated and
congratulated on the eve of this celebration of
Role of SVEEP
democracy in recognition of the meritorious service
ECI’s Flagship voter education programme of the
rendered by them for success of General Elections
Commission, SVEEP plays a major role in NVD
during the preceding year in the country besides
celebrations. SVEEP aims at awareness, information, winners of competitions, media persons and all other
motivation and facilitation of the citizens aimed at: stakeholders for outstanding work done by them
 Increasing electoral participation through voter during elections. They are the ‘Frontline Warriors’ of
registration and turnout, Electoral Democracy. This practice is intended to
 Increasing qualitative participation in terms of inspire them and millions of personnel, media persons
ethical and informed voting and and others to continue their service to the electoral
 Continuous electoral and democracy education. process and as such to the Nation with the same
fervor in future.
A multimedia programme, SVEEP reaches out to
vast voter populations across the country through NVD Theme
multimedia communications to connect with voters, NVD celebration is based on a theme every year.
with its vertical impact going down to the voters The decadal journey of NVD and the voter connect,
spread over almost one million polling stations located presents a thematic progression, focused on
in far flung villages, hamlets in rural areas and its enhancing participation from all categories of voters
capture of Indian diversity which projects the strength under ECI’s constitutional mandate. The NVD theme
of India’s Unity through its democratic polity. Initially, sets the tone for yearlong activities on focus areas.
SVEEP focused on voter awareness, information Based on the theme of the NVD, a series of new
and motivation for enhancing electoral participation initiatives are taken by the ECI during the year for
among voters. The outreach included the young achieving desired outcomes.
people especially through the National Voters’ Day
celebrations. Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day
More than a decade has elapsed since then as India
We are now into SVEEP IV that includes enhancing prepares to celebrate its Twelfth National Voters’
mainstreaming of electoral literacy among young and Day on 25th January 2022 with the theme ‘Making our
Introduction » 5
Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’. In a democracy elections belong to people. Every
vote counts. Every vote matters. Inclusion is the soul
Year wise themes are: of democratic elections. Enhancing participation of
Diamond Jubilee Year (2010) different categories of voters especially the vulnerable
ones, is key to free, fair, transparent, inclusive and
1st NVD 2011 ‘Greater Participation for as Stronger
accessible elections. Women, PwDs, Senior Citizens
Democracy’
and many others do face barriers in exercise of
2nd NVD 2012 ‘Women’s registration’ their suffrage rights. While the Constitution and the
3rd NVD 2013 ‘Inclusion’ legislative instruments and the law that flows there
from provide the overarching framework, EMBs play
4th NVD 2014 ‘Ethical Voting’
a central role in developing strategies and action
5th NVD 2015 ‘Easy Registration, Easy Correction’
plans to address such ‘Barriers’ and enhance their
6th NVD 2016 ‘Inclusive and Qualitative Participation’; participation.
‘No voter to be left behind’
ECI’s strategies, action plans with focused interventions
7th NVD 2017 ‘Empowering Young and Future Voters’
have brought dividends in addressing the barriers,
8th NVD 2018 ‘Accessible Elections introducing user friendly best practices and
9th NVD 2019 ‘No Voter to Be Left Behind’ empowering ‘Voter’ at all steps as voter registration,
10th NVD 2020 ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger informed and ethical participation, EVM and VVPAT
Democracy’ awareness etc through voter education and facilitation.
Given the premise of ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’ and
11th NVD 2021 ‘Making Our Voters Empowered,
‘Every Vote Matters’, there is much more that has to be
Vigilant, Safe and Informed.’
done.
12th NVD 2022: ‘Making our Elections Inclusive,
Accessible and Participative’ In this background, it has been decided by the
Commission to adopt the theme ’Making our Elections
Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’ for the 12th NVD
12th NVD 2022: ‘Making our Elections Inclusive, in 2022 in the 75th Year of Independent India.
Accessible and Participative’
The discussion that follows in the ensuing chapters
NVD 2022: Special Significance covers a vivid account of NVD Celebration every
NVD 2022 carries a special significance as it marks year, how the thematic progression has evolved,
70 Years of the Journey of Indian Elections and consolidated the knowledge and helped in
happens to be a celebration in the 75th year of Indian enhancing participation from all categories of voters
Independence. This period of seven decades and a in a focused manner. It recounts a story of emerging
half has been a witness to the emergence, evolution major prgrammes in the thematic Journey and its
and progress of a robust, vibrant, inclusive, inclusive support to the conduct of elections in a free, fair,
and participative electoral democracy in India in which informed, inclusive, accessible, transparent, Safe and
the Election Commission of India has played a pivotal participative elections besides enhancing elector
role as a constitutional entity. confidence and empowering them for ethical ballot
decisions.

NATIONAL
DAY
2021
THEME
Making our Voters Empowered,
Vigilant, Safe and Informed
Curtain CEC Messsage/ President National Press
Raiser8 Speech11 Address13 Awards16 Release20
Curtain
Raiser
11th National Voters’ Day (NVD) to

be celebrated on 25th January 2021
Theme for this year’s NVD is
‘Making Our Voters Empowered,
Vigilant, Safe and Informed’
E lection Commission of India

is celebrating 11th National
Voters Day on 25th January 2021.
Honourable President of India,

Sri Ram Nath Kovind will be
the Chief Guest at the national
function being organized in New
Delhi by the Election Commission
of India. The event will be held at
the Ashok Hotel, New Delhi and
the Honourable President shall
grace the occasion virtually from The theme for this year’s NVD, ‘Making
Rashtrapati Bhawan. Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe
and Informed’, envisages active and
Sri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Honourable participative voters during elections.
Union Minister for Law and Justice, It also focuses on ECI’s commitment
Communications and Electronics and towards conducting elections safely
Information Technology will grace the during the COVID-19 pandemic.
function as the Guest of Honour.

The National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January media groups for their valuable contribution towards
25 every year since 2011, all across the country to mark voters’ awareness.
the foundation day of Election Commission of India,
i.e. 25th January 1950. The main purpose of the NVD
celebration is to encourage, facilitate and maximize
enrolment, especially for the new voters. Dedicated to
the voters of the country, the day is utilized to spread
awareness among voters and for promoting informed
participation in the electoral process. New voters are
felicitated and handed over their Elector Photo Identity
Card (EPIC) in the NVD functions.
ECI’s Web Radio:‘Hello Voters’: This online digital radio
During the event, the Honourable President of India will service will stream voter awareness programmes. It will
confer the National Awards for the year 2020-21 and be accessible through a link on the Election Commission
launch ECI’s Web Radio: ‘Hello Voters’. The National of India website. The programming style of Radio Hello
Awards for the Best Electoral Practices will be conferred Voters has been envisaged to match that of popular
on State and District level officers for their outstanding FM radio services. It will provide information and
performance in the conduct of elections in different education on electoral processes through songs, drama,
spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, discussions, spots, stories of elections etc. in Hindi,
Election Management during COVID-19, Accessible English and regional languages from all over the country.
Election and contribution in the field of voter awareness
and outreach. National Awards will also be given to Sri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Honourable Union Minister
important stakeholders like national icons, CSOs and for Law and Justice, Communications and Electronics
Making our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed » 9

SVEEP
and Information Technology will launch the
e-EPIC programme and distribute e-EPICs
Endeavours
AWARENESS INITIATIVES DURING LOK SABHA ELECTION 2019
and Elector Photo Identity Cards to five

new voters. e-EPIC, a digital version of the
Elector Photo Identity Card can be accessed
through the Voter Helpline App and
websites https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/ and
https://www.nvsp.in/.
Honourable Minister, Mr. Prasad will also

release three publications of the Election Election Commission of India
Commission during the event. Copies of

these documents will be presented to the Honourable SVEEP Endeavours: Awareness initiatives during Lok
President of India. Sabha Election, 2019: This book provides a detailed
insight into voter awareness interventions, innovations
Details of the publications are given below: and initiatives during the 17th General Election,
conducted in 2019. It documents the spirit of ‘Desh
Ka Mahatyohar’, the biggest festival of democracy
celebrated across the nation cutting through the barriers
of gender, caste, creed and religion.
Chalo Karen
Matdaan: It is a
comic book which
aims at voter
education in a
fun and thought-
provoking way.
Conducting Elections During Pandemic
A Photo Journey Targeting young,
new and future
voters, this comic
Conducting Election During Pandemic- A Photo contains interesting
Journey: This photo book encapsulates the challenging and relatable
journey of conducting elections amidst a pandemic. The characters to
Commission successfully conducted several elections in educate voters at
the country, beginning with the Biennial Election to the large on electoral
Rajya Sabha. This was followed by Legislative Assembly processes.
Elections in Bihar, one of the biggest such exercises
throughout the world during the pandemic. Bye-Elections
were also conducted for 60 constituencies in various
states of the country.

CEC Shri Sunil Arora

Speech
Scan for Scan for

CEC Message CEC Speech
Time: 30:48 to 41:24


President
Address
ह मारे जीवं त लोकतन्त्र के सं चालन में चुनाव प्रक्रिया की

प्रमुख भूमिका है। देश में, स्वतं त्र एवं निष्पक्ष चुनाव कराने
देवियो और सज्जनो,
भारत में गणतांत्रिक प्रणाली का समृद्ध इतिहास रहा है।
के सं वैधानिक दायित्व का सफलतापूर्वक वहन करने वाले स्वाधीनता प्राप्ति के बाद, भारत के सं विधान के माध्यम से रोपे
भारत निर्वाचन आयोग के 72वें स्थापना दिवस पर, मैं, सभी गए लोकतं त्र के पौधे की जड़ें, लगभग ढाई हजार वर्ष पुरानी
पुरस्कार विजेताओं और देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई देता हूं। गणतं त्र की मिट्टी से पोषण प्राप्त कर रही हैं। सं भवत: इसीलिए,
आज पूरी दनु िया में जब लोकतांत्रिक सं स्थाओ ं के कमजोर होते
चुनाव प्रक्रिया की सफलता का आधार हमारे जागरूक मतदाता जाने की आशं काएं व्यक्त की जा रही हैं, तब भारत में लोकतं त्र
हैं। सभी मतदाताओं को जागरूक बनाने और मतदान प्रक्रिया मजबूत होता जा रहा है। वैशाली, कपिलवस्तु और मिथिला
में अधिक से अधिक भागीदारी के लिए प्रोत्साहित करने के की परंपरा से भारत ने यह सीखा है कि शासन पर, समाज के
प्रमुख उद्देश्य को लेकर वर्ष 2011 से ‘राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस’ किसी एक वर्ग या वं श का एकाधिकार नहीं होता है। लोकतं त्र
श्री राम नाथ कोविन्द
का आयोजन किया जा रहा है। आज, 11वें राष्ट्रीय मतदाता में ‘लोक’ यानि जनता की इच्छा ही सर्वोपरि होती है। गांधीजी
दिवस के अवसर पर मैं सभी मतदाताओं को, विशेषकर हमारे के ‘ग्राम स्वराज’ से प्रेरित हमारे सं विधान के ‘पं चायती-राज’
उन युवा मतदाताओं को बधाई देता हूं, जिन्हें पहली बार में, भारत की इसी परंपरा की सहज अभिव्यक्ति देखी जा
मतदान का अधिकार प्राप्त हुआ है। आज से आपको, भारत सकती है।
की लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था में और देश का भविष्य तय करने
में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाने का अवसर प्राप्त हो रहा है। आप भारत की चुनाव प्रक्रिया के सफल सं चालन से प्रेरित होकर,
सबको मेरी बहुत-बहुत बधाई। विश्व के अनेक देशों ने हमारी चुनाव प्रणाली का अध्ययन
करने में रुचि दिखाई है। कोविड महामारी के दौरान भी ‘सुगम,
भारत निर्वाचन आयोग की यात्रा, एक लोकतांत्रिक गणराज्य समावेशी एवं सुरक्षित’ चुनाव कराने के अपने ध्येय के अनुरूप
के रूप में भारत की यात्रा से ठीक एक दिन पहले 25 जनवरी, निर्वाचन आयोग ने विस्तृत दिशा-निर्देश तैयार किए। अपनी
1950 को आरंभ हुई थी। निर्वाचन आयोग, चुनाव प्रक्रिया ज्ञान सं पदा को साझा करने की हमारी परंपरा के अनुरूप, भारत
को प्रभावी बनाए रखने के लिए समुचित उपाय करता रहा निर्वाचन आयोग ने, सितम्बर, 2020 में आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय
है। सशक्त निर्वाचन तं त्र के निर्माण के द्वारा भारत निर्वाचन वेबिनार में 106 देशों तथा 16 सहभागी सं गठनों के साथ
आयोग ने पूरी दनु िया के समक्ष उदाहरण प्रस्तुत किया है। अपने अनुभव साझा किए।

विश्व भर में लोकतं त्र को मजबूती देने के ऐसे ही सराहनीय प्रयासों को

देखते हुए, सितम्बर, 2020 में, भारत के मुख्य चुनाव आयुक्त को
‘असोसिएशन ऑफ़ वर्ल्ड इलेक्शन बॉडीज’ का अध्यक्ष बनाया गया।
स्वतं त्रता-प्राप्त करने के लगभग 75 वर्षों के भीतर ही भारत लोकतन्त्र
के एक विश्व-व्यापी आदर्श के पोषक के रूप में उभरा है। इस उपलब्धि
में, निर्वाचन आयोग के शीर्षस्थ अधिकारी से लेकर देश के छोटे से छोटे
गाँव में बसे साधारण नागरिकों का अमूल्य योगदान है।
देवियो और सज्जनो,
आज इस अवसर पर, मैं, आप सभी को स्मरण कराना चाहूंगा कि हम
सभी को मतदान के बहुमूल्य अधिकार का सदैव सम्मान करते रहना
चाहिए। मतदान का अधिकार कोई साधारण अधिकार नहीं है। दनु िया
भर में, मतदान के अधिकार के लिए लोगों ने बहुत सं घर्ष किया है।
प्राय:, सरलता से प्राप्त उपलब्धियों का मूल्य जल्दी समझ में नहीं आता।
सं विधान सभा के सदस्य के रूप में अग्रणी सं विधानवेत्ता अल्लाडि
कृ ष्णास्वामी अय्यर ने वयस्क मताधिकार को लोकतांत्रिक शासन-
व्यवस्था की सफलता का प्रमुख आधार बताया था और इस ऐतिहासिक
क़दम का महत्व समझाते हुए कहा था – “It may be stated that
never before in the history of the world has such
an experiment been so boldly undertaken”.
अमेरिका जो विकसित देशों की सूची में अग्रणी रहता है और जनतं त्र

का प्रमुख उदाहरण माना जाता है, वहां भी, अनेक दशकों के सं घर्ष
और लोगों के अटू ट साहस एवं धैर्य के बल पर मतदान का अधिकार लोगों को प्राप्त हो है। मुझे यह जान कर अत्यं त प्रसन्नता हुई कि चुनाव आयोग ने सुगम, समावेशी और
सका था। ब्रिटेन में भी, महिलाओं को मतदान का अधिकार प्राप्त करने के लिए लं बी सुरक्षित चुनाव आयोजित करने के लिए अनेक नवाचारी और समयानुकूल उपाय
लड़ाई लड़नी पड़ी। किए। मुझे यह जानकर प्रसन्नता हुई है कि बिहार विधान सभा के चुनाव में, दिव्यांग-
जनों, 80 वर्ष से ऊपर के वृद्ध-जनों, आवश्यक सेवाओं में कार्यरत मतदाताओं अथवा
आज़ादी से पहले, भारत की स्थिति भी मताधिकार के मामले में अन्य देशों से बहुत कोविड से सं क्रमित या क्वारंटीन में रखे गए मतदाताओं को डाक मतपत्र अर्थात पोस्टल
भिन्न नहीं थी। हमारे देश में, भारत सरकार अधिनियम 1919 और 1935 के द्वारा बैलट की सुविधा उपलब्ध कराई गई। महिलाओं की सुविधा के लिए, महिलाओं द्वारा
चुनिदं ा लोगों को ही, मतदान का अधिकार दिया गया था। लेकिन, स्वतं त्र भारत के प्रबं धित मतदाता के न्द्रों की सं ख्या बढ़ाई गई। इन्हीं विशेष प्रयासों के कारण, बिहार की
हमारे सं विधान में, आरंभ से ही 21 वर्ष या अधिक आयु के सभी नागरिकों को मतदान 243 विधानसभा सीटों के लिए आयोजित चुनाव में, कोविड महामारी से जुड़े प्रतिबं धों
का अधिकार प्रदान किया। बाद में इस आयु को घटाकर 18 वर्ष कर दिया गया। एवं कठिनाइयों के बावजूद मतदान का प्रतिशत 57.05 तक पहुंच गया जो कि 2019
योग्यता, धर्म, नस्ल, जाति के आधार पर कोई भेदभाव न करते हुए, हर पुरुष या के लोकसभा चुनाव के मतदान प्रतिशत के लगभग बराबर था। इस सराहनीय उपलब्धि
महिला, अमीर या ग़रीब को मतदान का अधिकार है और हर व्यक्ति के मत का महत्व के लिए निर्वाचन आयोग, मतदान-तं त्र से जुड़े सभी लोग और हमारे जागरूक मतदाता
भी समान रखा गया है। इसके लिए हम सब अपने सं विधान-निर्माताओं के ऋणी हैं। विशेष बधाई के पात्र हैं।
देवियो और सज्जनो, मुझे बताया गया है कि चुनाव आयोग ने मतदाता सं पर्क बढ़ाने के लिए डिजिटल
पिछले वर्ष, कोविड महामारी के दौरान बिहार विधान-सभा, जम्मू-कश्मीर व लद्दाख सं चार सहित मल्टीमीडिया का उपयोग बढ़ाया है। चुनाव के दौरान कोविड सुरक्षा
में सफल एवं सुरक्षित चुनावों का सम्पन्न होना हमारे लोकतन्त्र की असाधारण उपलब्धि प्रोटोकॉल तथा दिशा-निर्देशों के बारे में जागरूकता फै लाने, पं जीकरण कराने तथा

मतदान में भाग लेने हेतु मतदाताओं को प्रोत्साहित करने की दृष्टि से सं चार माध्यमों का भारतीय सं विधान के प्रमुख शिल्पी बाबासाहब डॉक्टर भीमराव आंबडे कर ने मतदान
अधिकाधिक उपयोग किया गया। के अधिकार को सर्वोपरि माना था। इसलिए, हम सभी का, विशेष रूप से, पहली बार
मतदान का अधिकार प्राप्त करने वाले हमारे युवाओं का दायित्व है कि वे न के वल स्वयं
देवियो और सज्जनो, अधिक से अधिक सं ख्या में, पूरी समझ-बूझ के साथ अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग करें,
कोरोना महामारी अभी पूरी तरह से समाप्त नहीं हुई है। 2021 में भी निर्वाचन अपितु दू सरे लोगों को भी प्रेरित करें।
आयोग को अनेक चुनावों का आयोजन करना है। आयोग ने मतदाताओं को ‘Safe,
Empowered, Informed and Vigilant’ बनाने का ध्येय तय किया है। नए अंत में, एक बार फिर, मैं सभी देशवासियों को ‘राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस’ की बधाई देता
मतदाताओं के नाम जोड़ने के लिए विशेष अभियान चलाया गया है। ‘डिजिटल इं डिया’ हूँ और आशा करता हूँ कि हम सब मिलकर, अपने देश में लोकतं त्र को मजबूत बनाने
के साथ-साथ सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी के उपयोग के लिए नवीन उपाय किए गए हैं। मुझे के लिए अपना योगदान निरंतर देते रहेंगे।
बताया गया है कि इन प्रयासों के परिणामस्वरूप, 1 जनवरी 2021 तक लगभग 27
लाख नए मतदाताओं के नाम मतदाता सूची में शामिल किए गए हैं। अब हमारे देश धन्यवाद,
में मतदाताओं की सं ख्या 92 करोड़ से अधिक हो गई है जिनमें महिलाओं की सं ख्या
लगभग 44 करोड़ से ऊपर है। जय हिन्द!

National
Awards
National Awards 2020-21
A wards for Excellence, Proficiency and Innovation in

election processes and procedures are conferred on
National Voters’ Day. These awards recognize contribution
by election machinery, Government department/
Agency/PSU/CSO and media in the year 2020. While
State Awards are presented in the NVD functions at State
Headquarters, the National Awards are presented at the
national function in Delhi.
GENERAL AWARD FOR SECURITY MANAGEMENT:

Late Sh. Binod Kumar, IPS, (Posthumous), IGP Purnea,
Bihar
SPECIAL AWARD FOR VOTER AWARENESS: Dr. Niru Kumar, ACCESSIBLE ELECTION: Dr. Ranbir Singh, IAS, Chief Electoral
National Icon, ECI Officer, Delhi

ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Sh. H. R. Srinivasa, IAS, Chief Electoral SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Jitendra Kumar, IPS, ADG P(Hqr) &
Officer, Bihar State Nodal Police Officer; Bihar
ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Sh. Kumar Ravi, IAS, District Election SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Mandeep Singh Randhawa, IPS,
Officer Patna, Bihar Addl CP, Central District, Delhi
SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Dr. Eish Singhal, IPS, Dy. CP, New Delhi ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Ms. Harleen Kaur, IAS, District Election
Officer South East, Delhi

ELECTION MANGEMENT: Dr. Nawal Kishor Choudhary, IAS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Ranveer Singh Krishnia, IPS, Spl CP
District Election Officer Kaimur, Bihar Law & Order South Delhi)
SECURITY MANAGEMENT; Sh. Vishal Sharma, IPS, SP Purnea, INNOVATIVE MEASURES: Sh. Pratyaya Amrit, IAS, Principal
Bihar Secretary Health Department, Bihar
IT APPLICATIONS: Sh. Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Chief SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Praveer Ranjan, IPS, Special CP
Electoral Officer Meghalaya (Crime & EOW), Delhi

ACCESSIBLE ELECTIONS: Dr. Satendra Singh, Associate VOTER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Dainik Jagran, Patna
Professor and Member of SSCAE, Delhi
VOTER AWARENESS: Sh. Balamurugan, IAS, Chief Executive VOTER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Radio Mirchi, Delhi
Officer, JEEVIKA, Bihar
ACCESSIBLE ELECTION: Ms. G. Syamala, Executive Director,

Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), Delhi

Press
Release
Nation celebrates 11th National

Voters’ Day
President attends National Level
Celebrations in New Delhi in virtual,
online mode
ECI launches digital voter cards,
unique web radio
11 th National Voters’ Day was

celebrated across the country
today on January 25, 2021 with the
be a combination of both physical and
virtual events.
President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind The theme for NVD 2021 is ‘Making Our
gracing the national level event held at Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and
New Delhi in a virtual, online mode. Shri Informed.’ This is a reiteration of the
Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for commitment of Election Commission
Law & Justice, Communications and of India (ECI) to conduct COVID-safe
Electronics and Information Technology elections, as well as to make each voter
graced the event as the Guest of Honour. informed, ethical and vigilant.
The Chief Election Commissioner Shri
Sunil Arora, Election Commissioners Shri In his address, President Sh. Ram Nath
Sushil Chandra, Shri Rajiv Kumar, and Kovind said that we should always
Secretary General Shri Umesh Sinha respect the valuable right to vote. The
received the dignitaries on the occasion. right to vote is not a simple right; people
This year, due to COVID-19, the NVD around the world have struggled a
celebrations all over the country would lot for this. Since independence, our

Constitution has given equal voting rights to all citizens quarantined due to COVID-19; effectively ensuring that
without any discrimination on the basis of merit, religion, no voter is left behind. As the Commission prepares for
race, caste. For this, we are indebted to the makers of our upcoming elections in four States and one Union Territory
Constitution. in 2021, Shri Arora emphasized the importance of the
commitment towards redefining election management in
The President said that the chief architect of the Indian a pandemic.
Constitution, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar,
considered the right to vote as paramount. Therefore, it In his remarks Election Commissioner Shri Sushil
is the responsibility of all of us, especially our youth, who Chandra said that the 11th NVD is being celebrated
get the right to vote for the first time, to exercise their with a view to enhance electoral participation of voters
franchise with the utmost sincerity and inspire others too especially the new voters of the country and empower
to do so. them as informed, ethical and vigilant voter. He said
elections in India are a gigantic exercise conducted
Praising the Election Commission of India for conducting under superintendence, direction and control of the
successful and safe elections in Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir Commission. The exercise has its own challenges in
and Ladakh last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, the terms of sheer scale, size, diversity and complexity
President said that it is an extraordinary achievement of besides logistics, aiming for free, fair and transparent
our democracy. He was happy to note that the Election elections. Timelines demand strict compliance with little
Commission has taken a number of innovative and room for any delays and mistakes. That is what makes our
timely measures to conduct smooth, inclusive and safe elections sacrosanct and model for others.
elections.
Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar welcomed the
Guest of Honour, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad hailed august gathering of dignitaries and awardees to the
the profound vision of India’s founding fathers who, national celebration of 11th National Voters’ Day. His
despite the overwhelming odds against them, created remarks also highlighted the scale and vastness of Indian
a framework that would empower every single Indian. elections. He said that despite the complexity of Indian
Speaking about the launch of digital voter cards, he elections, they are conducted meticulously, on schedule.
appreciated the IT efforts of the Election Commission. He especially welcomed women voters, Persons with
He said that the officers of the Election Commission Disability, and Senior Citizens on the occasion.
and civil and police administrations have played a vital
role in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful election during Two unique digital initiatives were unveiled today. The
challenging times of COVID-19. Commission is rolling out digital voter identity cards or
e-EPICs which will be downloadable on mobile phone
Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Sunil Arora reiterated or in a self-printable form on the computer, after logging
the Commission’s determination in conducting safe and in from Voter Helpline Mobile App, Voter Portal (www.
secure elections, which was lauded by democracies voterportal.eci.gov.in) or National Voters’ Service Portal
across the world. Shri Arora took note of how the tireless (www.nvsp.in/).
efforts of the election machinery ensured that the facility
of Postal Ballot was extended to Persons with Disabilities, The Hon’ble President of India launched ‘Radio Hello
Senior Citizens above the age of 80 years, and those Voters’ - a 24x7 online digital radio service that will

stream voter awareness programmes accessible on the Three publications were launched by Union Minister
Election Commission of India website. Radio Hello Voters Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad. The first book, Conducting
has been envisaged to provide information on electoral Elections during Pandemic- A Photo Journey
processes through songs, drama, discussions, podcasts, encapsulates the challenging journey of conducting
spots, parodies etc. in Hindi, English and different regional elections amidst a pandemic. The second, SVEEP
languages from all over the country. Endeavours: Awareness Initiatives during Lok Sabha
Election 2019 provides a detailed insight into voter
Guest of Honour, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad presented awareness interventions, innovations and initiatives
five new voters with their Digital Voter ID cards. While during the 17th General Election, conducted in 2019.
only newly enrolled electors with unique mobile number Chalo Karen Matdaan- a comic book that aims at
during SSR 2021 can download e-EPIC from 25th January voter education in a fun and thought-provoking way
to 31st January 2021 – this facility will be extended to all targeting young, new and future voters was also
other electors from 1st February 2021 onwards. launched at the event.
On this occasion, the President virtually conferred the National Voters’ Day is celebrated all over the country
National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices to on January 25 every year since 2011 to mark the
Officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct Foundation day of Election Commission of India, which
of elections in different spheres. In addition, awards were was established on this day in the year 1950. The main
also conferred on CSOs, Govt. Departments and Media purpose of the NVD celebration is to encourage, facilitate
Houses for their outstanding contribution in the field of and maximize the enrollment, especially for the new
voter awareness and outreach. Representatives from voters. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the Day is
Political Parties also attended the national function. utilized to spread awareness among voters for promoting
informed participation in the electoral process.

NATIONAL
DAY
2020
THEME Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy

Curtain
Raiser
10th National Voters’ Day to be

celebrated on 25th January 2020
Theme for NVD 2020 is ‘Electoral
Literacy for Stronger Democracy’
H on’ble President of India Sh. Ram

Nath Kovind will be the Chief Guest
at the 10th National Voters’ Day being
divisions, divisions, district and state
headquarters, to mark the Foundation
day of Election Commission of India,
organized by Election Commission of which was established on 25th January
India on 25th January 2020 at Manekshaw 1950.The main purpose of the NVD
Centre, Delhi Cantt. Shri Ravi Shankar celebration is to encourage, facilitate and
Prasad, Union Minister for Law and maximize the enrolment, especially for
Justice, Communications and Electronics the new voters. Dedicated to the voters of
and Information Technology shall also the country, the Day is utilized to spread
grace the national function. This year awareness among voters for promoting
marks an important milestone in the informed participation in the electoral
history of Indian democracy as Election process. New Voters are felicitated and
Commission of India (ECI) completes 70 handed over their Elector Photo Identity
years of its journey. Card in the NVD function.
The National Voters’ Day (NVD) has been Belief in the Ballot-2, an anthology of
celebrated on January 25 every year 101 human stories from across the nation
since 2011, all across the country at over about Indian elections, developed in
ten lakh locations across the nation, collaboration with the Publication Division
that include polling stations areas, sub will be launched on the occasion and the

first copy shall be presented by the Republic, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal,

Commission to the Hon’ble President. Srilanka and Tunisia, who are coming
to New Delhi to attend the 10th Annual
‘The Centenarian Voters: Sentinels of Meeting of the Forum of the Election
Democracy’ with 51 stories of veteran Management Bodies of South Asia
voters across the nation who braved (FEMBoSA), shall grace the occasion.
difficult terrain, poor health and other Reputed international organisations
challenges to come out and vote will working in elections such as A-WEB,
be launched on the occasion by the IFES and International IDEA will also
Hon’ble President. be a part of the occasion. Members
of Political Parties, Members of
The National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices shall Parliament besides Diplomats from various countries
be conferred on District and State level Officers for their and representatives from national and international
outstanding performance in the conduct of elections organizations working in the area of democracy and
in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security elections are expected to attend the national function.
Management, Election Management and contribution in
the field of voter awareness and outreach. The theme for NVD 2020 is ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger
Democracy’. The theme sets the tone for year-long
Chief Election Commissioners and delegates from activities which focus on voter education and renewal of
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz citizens’ faith in the electoral process.
Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy » 25


CEC
Message
Scan for
Shri Sunil Arora CEC Message
It is my proud privilege and pleasure to congratulate citizens of our country

on the eve of 10th National Voters’ Day. Since the Election Commission of
India was established on 25th January 1950, the Commission dedicated 25th
January to be celebrated as National Voters Day, or popularly known as
NVD, ever since 2011.
A voter is the most important stakeholder in our electoral process. It is

heartening to note that in the 2019 Lok Sabha General Elections, a record
number of 61.30 crore voters exercised their right to franchise to choose
their Members of Parliament across 543 Parliamentary Constituencies
along with General Elections held then for State Legislative Assemblies of
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. After Lok Sabha
elections, ECI successfully conducted elections to State Legislatures of
Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand. Currently electoral process in NCT Delhi
is underway.
It is heartening to note that concerted efforts of outreach through our

Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) flagship
Programme, resulted in enthusiastic participation of 29.24 crore women
voters; 61.46 lakh Persons with Disabilities and 18.05 lakh Service Voters,
as a result of which Elections to 17th Lok Sabha in fact became a festival
of Democracy. More than 12 million officials, including security personnel,
helped manage the massive logistics arrangements. SVEEP helped connect
ECI with 91 crore registered Voters at 10.36 Lakh Polling Stations across the
country during 2019 Elections.
NVD 2020 is a unique celebration of the largest democracy of the world,

as it marks illustrious seventy years of the Election Commission of India

and 10th NVD celebrations. The celebration reminds us of the Constitutional

Rights of adult suffrage granted to every Indian citizen irrespective
of religion, caste, community, language, region or socio economic
considerations. On this day, while reiterating our abiding faith in democracy,
we renew our resolve to uphold the rich democratic traditions of our country
and the sanctity of free, fair and peaceful elections.
The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to encourage, facilitate and

maximize the enrolment, especially of new voters. The Day is utilized to
spread awareness among voters for promoting informed participation in
the electoral process. I welcome the new voters particularly to join our ever
extending family.
Voter participation starts with registration in the Electoral Roll and

culminates in exercise of right to vote on the polling day. In a democracy,
each and every vote matters. The Election Commission has taken
sustained initiatives to maximize participation from all categories of
voters and to make elections informed, inclusive, accessible, ethical and
participative.
ECI team across States has harnessed technology to make voting

experience smoother through VoterHelpline Apps; Electronically Transmitted
Postal Ballot System for Service Voters; Absentee Voter Facilitation to
Octogenarian voters, marked PwDs as well as for Voters on Essential
Services. ECI endeavours that ‘No Voter is Left Behind’ both in the process of
registration and in participation. I hereby call upon all eligible citizens, 18yrs
and above, who have yet not enrolled themselves, to come forth to register
and participate wholeheartedly in all future elections.
I once again extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to every

citizen of the country on the National Voters’ Day.
Jai Hind!

President
Address
1. निर्वाचन आयोग के 71वें स्थापना दिवस और 10वें राष्ट्रीय निर्माताओं द्वारा सामान्य व्यक्ति पर जो दृढ़ विश्वास जताया
मतदाता दिवस के विशेष अवसर पर मैं सभी मतदाताओं को, गया था उस पर वे खरे उतरे।
भारत निर्वाचन आयोग तथा राज्य निर्वाचन आयोगों के सभी
कर्मचारियों और अधिकारियों को हार्दिक बधाई देता हूँ । आज 4. पहले आम चुनाव से लेकर पिछले वर्ष सम्पन्न हुए 17वें
मतदाता पहचान पत्र प्राप्त करने वाले युवाओं, खासकर बेटियों आम चुनाव तक, भारत के मतदाताओं ने हमारे लोकतं त्र
को विशेष रूप से मैं बधाई देता हूँ । आप सब उस पीढ़ी के की साख पूरे विश्व में बढ़ाई है। इसके लिए मैं देश के सभी
प्रतिनिधि हैं जो हमारे लोकतं त्र के स्वर्णिम भविष्य का निर्माण मतदाताओं का अभिनं दन करता हूँ ।
करेंगी। मैं आज के सभी पुरस्कार विजेताओं को बधाई देता
हूँ और हमारी निर्वाचन प्रक्रिया में असाधारण योगदान देने के 5.परंतु आज भी हमारे कु छ मतदाता अपने मताधिकार के
श्री राम नाथ कोविन्द लिए आप सबकी सराहना करता हूँ । महत्व को नहीं समझ पाते हैं। उन्हें यह मालूम होना चाहिए
कि दनु िया के अधिकांश लोकतांत्रिक देशों में मताधिकार प्राप्त
2. कल हम सब अपना 71वां गणतं त्र दिवस मनाएं गे। हमारे करने के लिए सामान्य लोगों को आंदोलन करने पड़े थे तथा
लोकतांत्रिक गणतं त्र के आदर्श को कार्यरूप देने के लिए अनेक कु र्बानियाँ भी देनी पड़ी थीं। यहाँ तक कि इं ग्डलैं जैसे
सं विधान निर्माताओं द्वारा, सं विधान में ही एक स्वायत्त निर्वाचन पुराने लोकतं त्र में, मताधिकार प्राप्त करने के लिए, महिलाओं
आयोग तथा वयस्क मताधिकार का प्रावधान किया गया है। को 20वीं सदी में, लगभग तीन दशकों के लं बे सं घर्ष के
बाद पुरुषों के बराबर मताधिकार मिल पाया। जबकि हमारे
3. आप सबको मैं स्मरण कराना चाहता हूँ कि आजादी के तुरंत सं विधान निर्माताओं ने, बिना किसी भेदभाव के , यह अमूल्य
बाद, सभी नागरिकों को वयस्क मताधिकार प्रदान करने की अधिकार सभी वयस्क भारतवासियों को सं विधान लागू होने के
काफी आलोचना भी हुई थी क्योंकि उस समय तक लोकतं त्र साथ-साथ ही दिया है। और इसीलिए, निर्वाचन आयोग द्वारा
के वल सम्पन्न और विकसित देशों तक ही सीमित था। ऐसी नए मतदाताओं को दिए गए बैज पर लिखा गया कथन बहुत
आशं का व्यक्त की गई थी कि के वल 16 प्रतिशत साक्षरता ही सार्थक है – `Proud to be a voter – Ready to
तथा गरीबी के कारण वयस्क मताधिकार का प्रयोग सफल vote´.
नहीं हो सके गा। यहाँ तक कि भारत में वयस्क मताधिकार दिए
जाने को "The biggest gamble in history" कहा गया 6. `राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस´, मताधिकार के प्रयोग के प्रति
था। परंतु हमारे मतदाताओं ने इसे विश्व इतिहास में लोकतं त्र लोगों में जागरूकता बढ़ाने और मतदान द्वारा हमारे लोकतं त्र में
का सबसे बड़ा और सफल प्रयोग सिद्ध कर दिखाया। सं विधान उनकी भागीदारी बढ़ाने के उद्देश्य से मनाया जाता है। मुझे यह

8. हमारे मतदाताओं ने किसी भी तरह की कठिनाई की परवाह किए बिना अपना

मतदान किया। अनेक मतदाताओं ने आतं क और नक्सल प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में निडरता
के साथ अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग किया। मैं पूरे देश की ओर से उन सभी 61 करोड़
30 लाख मतदाताओं की सराहना करता हूँ , जिन्होंने 17वें लोकसभा चुनाव में मतदान
करके एक नया कीर्तिमान स्थापित किया है।
9. इस लोकसभा चुनाव में, महिलाओं ने पुरुषों के लगभग बराबर मतदान किया।

मुझे बताया गया है कि महिलाओं और पुरुषों के बीच का फर्क के वल शून्य दशमलव
एक प्रतिशत यानि ज़ीरो पॉइं ट वन परसेंट था। मुझे यह जानकर प्रसन्नता हुई है कि 17
राज्यों और 6 कें द्र शासित प्रदेशों में महिलाओं का वोटिंग प्रतिशत पुरुषों से अधिक
था। लोकसभा के इतिहास में पहली बार सबसे बड़ी सं ख्या में 78 महिला सांसदों
का चुना जाना नए भारत की उज्ज्वल तस्वीर प्रस्तुत करता है। आज यहाँ पहली बार
मतदाता बनी बेटियाँ आसमा, कोमल और विधि गुप्ता जो अल्प-सं ख्यकों, अनुसूचित
जनजातियाँ तथा दिव्यांग-जनों का भी प्रतिनिधित्व करती हैं, महिला सशक्तीकरण की
मुहिम को और मजबूत बनाएँ गी, यह मेरा विश्वास है।
10. निर्वाचन आयोग द्वारा दिव्यागं जन, वरिष्ठ नागरिकों और महिलाओं के लिए
मतदान को सुगम बनाने के विशेष प्रयास किए जाने की मैं सराहना करता हूँ । मुझे
बताया गया है कि 65 लाख से अधिक दिव्यांगजनों की देशव्यापी सूची बनाई गई है
ताकि उनके लिए पहले से ही विशेष सुविधाओं की तैयारी रहे। उनकी सुविधा के लिए
सुगम्य बूथ बनाए जाते हैं तथा वालं टियरों को विशेष प्रशिक्षण दिया जाता है। दृष्टि
बाधित मतदाताओं के लिए ब्रेल प्रिंट से युक्त ईवीएम की व्यवस्था की जाती है। मुझे
जानकर प्रसन्नता हुई है कि मतदाता दिवस से जुड़े आयोजन के वल राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर ही यह जानकर प्रसन्नता हुई है कि, अब दिव्यांगजन को पोस्टर वोटिंग की सुविधा भी
नहीं बल्कि राज्य, जिला और पोलिगं स्टेशन तक के स्तर पर किए जाते हैं। उपलब्ध करा दी गई है।
देवियों और सज्जनों, 11. इसी प्रकार, 80 वर्ष से अधिक आयु के मतदाताओं को पोस्टल वोटिंग की
7. पिछले वर्ष सम्पन्न हुए 2019 के आम चुनाव में लगभग एक करोड़ दस लाख लोगों सुविधा उपलब्ध कराई जा रही है। अनेक वरिष्ठ मतदाताओं ने लोकतं त्र के प्रति
की तैनाती से युक्त इलेक्शन मशीनरी द्वारा 91 करोड़ मतदाताओं के लिए मतदान निष्ठा के असाधारण उदाहरण प्रस्तुत किए हैं। अभी-अभी जो पुस्तकें मुझे भेंट की
की व्यवस्था की गई। निर्वाचन आयोग ने इस चुनाव को 'देश का महात्यौहार' के नाम गई हैं वे दोनों ही मतदाताओं को प्रेरित करने की दृष्टि से बहुत उपयोगी हैं। 'The
से प्रचारित किया ताकि लोग उत्साहित होकर, लोकतं त्र के इस महायज्ञ में भागीदारी Centenarian Voters: Sentinels of our Democracy' नामक पुस्तक
करें। मुझे बताया गया है कि लगभग 10 लाख 35 हजार पोलिगं स्टेशन बनाए गए। में देश के विभिन्न हिस्सों से, 100 वर्ष से अधिक आयु के कु छ मतदाताओं के बारे में
सुदूर पहाड़ियों पर बसे आखरी गांवों तक, समुद्री द्वीपों में, पूर्वोत्तर के दर्गु म क्षेत्रों विस्तार से परिचय दिया गया है। उदाहरण के लिए, अरुणाचल प्रदेश में जोंग-फोहाटे
में और रेगिस्तानी इलाकों में चुनाव की व्यवस्था करना कितना कठिन हो सकता है गाँव की 107 वर्ष की नाथोंग-सावेन ने भी 2019 के लोक सभा चुनाव में पहाड़ी से
इसका अंदाजा लगाना भी सामान्य व्यक्ति के लिए मुश्किल है। लेकिन हमारे निष्ठावान नीचे उतर कर मतदान किया। वे पूरे गाँव के लिए प्रेरणा का स्रोत बनीं और उस गाँव
चुनावकर्मियों ने तमाम चुनौतियों के बावजूद सफलतापूर्वक चुनाव सम्पन्न करवाए। में महिलाओं ने शत-प्रतिशत मतदान किया। इसी तरह, गुजरात में बारडोली की 101
हमारे चुनाव अधिकारियों व कर्मचारियों ने अद्तभु निष्ठा और बहादरु ी का परिचय दिया वर्ष की वृद्धा खैरानबीबी पीर-महमद शेख ने पिछले लोक सभा चुनाव में मतदान किया
है। और कहा कि एक जिम्मेदार नागरिक के रूप में, मतदान करना हमारा कर्तव्य है और
हम जब तक जीवित रहें, हमें मतदान अवश्य करना चाहिए। हम सभी को इन बुजर्गों ु
से प्रेरणा लेनी चाहिए।

12. मैं विश्व के लोकतांत्रिक देशों की अपनी यात्राओं के दौरान भारत के विशाल और 14. मीडिया, सिविल सोसाइटी, युवा स्वयं सेवी सं गठन, राज्य, जिला और स्थानीय
विविधतापूर्ण लोकतं त्र के विषय में बड़े गर्व के साथ चर्चा करता हूँ । पिछले लोकसभा प्रशासन, अनेक सरकारी विभाग और एजेंसियां, औद्योगिक सं स्थान, शिक्षण सं स्थान,
चुनावों के बाद की मेरी यात्राओं के दौरान, यूरोप में स्विट्जरलैंड, आइसलैंड और पुलिस बल और अर्ध-सैनिक बल तथा अनेक अन्य समूहों के लोग अपने सम्मिलित
स्लोवेनिया से लेकर अफ्रीका में बेनिन तक, अनेक देशों में, भारत के आम चुनाव प्रयासों से हमारी चुनाव प्रक्रिया को सफल बनाते हैं। वे सभी प्रशं सा के पात्र हैं। उनमें
के विशाल पैमाने की चर्चा जब मैंने की तो वे हमारी सफलता से बहुत प्रभावित हुए। से जो व्यक्ति और सं स्थान आज पुरस्कृ त हुए हैं वे सबके लिए प्रेरणा का सं चार करेंगे,
हमारा लोकतं त्र, हमारी चुनाव प्रक्रिया और हमारे मतदाता, ये सभी, विश्व समुदाय में ऐसा मेरा विश्वास है।
भारत को गौरवपूर्ण स्थान दिलाते हैं।
15. आज 'राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस' के अवसर पर, सभी मतदताओं को, निर्वाचन
13. लोकतं त्र, सबकी भागीदारी से मजबूत बनता है और आगे बढ़ता है। मुझे यह आयोग द्वारा जारी किए गए शपथ में निहित लक्ष्यों और आदर्शों को आत्मसात
जानकर प्रसन्नता हुई है कि मतदाताओं की भागीदारी को और बढ़ाने के लिए, निर्वाचन करने का सं कल्प लेना चाहिए। मैं सभी देशवासियों, विशेषकर मतदाताओं को यह
आयोग द्वारा 'Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy' यानि शुभकामना देता हूँ कि वे अपने सं वैधानिक कर्तव्यों का पालन करते हुए अपने जीवन
'सशक्त लोकतं त्र के लिए निर्वाचन साक्षरता' कार्यक्रम के तहत सुनियोजित प्रयास किए पथ पर आगे बढ़ें और साथ ही, वे भारत की लोकतांत्रिक परम्पराओं को मजबूत बनाने
जा रहे हैं। स्कू ल और कॉलेज स्तर पर Electoral Literacy Club बनाए गए हैं। में सफलतापूर्वक अपना योगदान देते रहें।
औपचारिक शिक्षा व्यवस्था से वं चित लोगों के लिए 'चुनाव पाठशालाएँ ' आयोजित की
जा रही हैं। निर्वाचन आयोग के प्रयासों में स्थानीय भाषाओं का प्रयोग करना विशेष धन्यवाद
रूप से सराहनीय है। यह प्रसन्नता की बात है कि समय के अनुसार निर्वाचन आयोग
ने सोशल मीडिया पर अपनी उपस्थिति बढ़ाई है। इससे विशेषकर युवा मतदाताओं के जय हिन्द!
बीच निर्वाचन सं बं धी जागरूकता बढ़ेगी।

National
Awards

election processes and procedures are conferred
on National Voters’ Day. These awards recognize
contribution by election machinery, Government
department/Agency/PSU/CSO and media in the year
2019. While State Awards are presented in the NVD
functions at State Headquarters, the National Awards are
presented at the national function in Delhi.
ACCESSIBLE ELECTION: Dr. Sirra Karuna Raju, CEO Punjab
ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Sh. Gopal Krishna Dwivedi, CEO SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Anjani Kumar, Commissioner of
Andhra Pradesh Police, Hyderabad

INCLUSIVE & PARTICIPATIVE ELECTION: Dr. Rangitabali ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Dr. Advathu Sarat, DEO Jagitial,
Waikhom, DEO Imphal East, Manipur Telengana
SVEEP INITIATIVES: Sh. Indrajeet Singh, DEO Alwar, Rajasthan SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Ms. Saayli Savlaram Dhurat, SP Araria,
Bihar
IT INITIATIVES: Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, DEO Hisar, Haryana ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Ms. Madhu Mahajan, Principal Chief
Commissioner of Income Tax (Rtd.)

SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Murari Lal Meena, State Police BEST CAMPAIGN FOR VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Nodal Officer, Jharkhand 2019-ELECTRONIC MEDIA (RADIO): 93.5 RED FM
ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Dr. Anand Prakash Maheshwari, DG BEST CAMPAIGN FOR VOTERS’ EDUCATION & AWARENESS
CRPF 2019-PRINT MEDIA: Hindu Tamil Thisal (Tamil Nadu)
 ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Sh. Surendra Kumar, CEO Odisha
 ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Sh. B. Murali Kumar, DG Income

Tax (Investigation)
 EVM MANAGEMENT: Sh. V. Raghavendra, Joint CEO, Karnataka
 ACCESSIBLE ELECTION: Sh. Bhushan Punani, Blind People’s

Association, Gujarat
 VOTER AWARENESS: Maj Gen Anil Verma (Retd), Association

for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Delhi
ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Sh. S.B. Shashank, Ex. CEO Mizoram

Press
Release
10th National Voters’ Day celebrated

to mark the Foundation Day of ECI
T he 10th National Voters’ Day (NVD)

was celebrated across the country
today. President of India Shri Ram Nath
The theme for NVD 2020 was ‘Electoral
Literacy for Stronger Democracy’
reiterating the commitment of Election
Kovind presided over the national level Commission of India (ECI) towards
event held at New Delhi. Shri Ravi electoral literacy for all to ensure
Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Law & maximum participation and informed
Justice, Communications and Electronics & ethical voting. This year marks an
and Information Technology also graced important milestone in the history
the event as the Guest of Honour. The of Indian democracy as Election
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Commission of India (ECI) completes 70
Arora, Election Commissioners Shri Ashok years of its journey.
Lavasa and Shri Sushil Chandra, Secretary
General Shri Umesh Sinha and Director President Sh. Ram Nath Kovind hailed
General Shri Dharmendra Sharma the varied interventions taken up by ECI
received the dignitaries on the occasion. for the successful conduct of the 17th

Lok Sabha Election in a free, fair and transparent manner. and dedication of the election personnel as well as the
The President particularly appreciated the initiatives for enthusiasm and commitment of the voters.
reaching out to voters in the remotest corner to include
their names in the electoral roll and to encourage them The second book launched was The Centenarian Voters:
to exercise the Right to Vote, resulting in the historic Sentinels of Our Democracy. This collection enumerates
voter turnout of 67.47%.He congratulated the new six new the stories and experiences of 51 centenarians across
voters particularly who were given the Electoral Photo India, who braved difficult terrain, poor health and other
Identity Cards today. The President also particularly challenges to come out and vote.
mentioned the Universal Adult Suffrage principle which
helped all Indian eligible citizens to vote from the very Chief Election Commissioners and senior officials from
beginning of the journey of Indian republic. Shri Kovind Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz
also took note of the special efforts undertaken by Republic, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka and
Election Commission of India to ensure that the gender Tunisia graced the occasion. Reputed international
gap was reduced to less than 0.1% in the last Lok Sabha organisations working in elections such as A-WEB,
General Election. He particularly lauded the Electoral IFES and International IDEA were also a part of the
Literacy Clubs’ efforts and use of vernacular language in occasion. Members of Political Parties, Members of
reaching out to even in the remotest areas. Parliament besides Diplomats from various countries
and representatives from national and international
On this occasion, the President gave away the National organizations working in the area of democracy and
Awards for the Best Electoral Practices to Officers for their elections also attended the national function.
outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in
different spheres. The district administrative and Security The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated all over the
Officers were lauded for their efforts to ensure enrollment country on January 25 every year since 2011 to mark the
of new eligible voters with sustained efforts, launch of Foundation day of Election Commission of India, which
SVEEP Apps to facilitate polling experience, conduct was established on this day in the year 1950. This year,
of elections with innovative means, facilitating Persons the celebrations were spread over three days to mark the
with Disabilities at polling booths as also working amidst 70 illustrious years of ECI establishment. On 23rd January,
challenging circumstances such as severe cyclonic storm the Commission organized the first ever annual lecture
or coordinating security grid mechanisms. In addition, series in memory of the first Chief Election Commissioner
awards were also conferred on CSOs, Govt. Departments of India, Shri Sukumar Sen. Hon’ble former President
and Media Houses for their outstanding contribution in of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, delivered the keynote
the field of voter awareness and outreach. lecture. On 24th January, an International Conference on
“Strengthening Institutional Capacity” was organised.
Two books were launched by Union Minister Shri Ravi
Shankar Prasad and presented to the Hon’ble President. The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to
The first book was Belief in the Ballot-II, an anthology encourage, facilitate and maximize the enrollment,
of 101 human stories from across the nation about Indian especially for the new voters. Dedicated to the voters
elections. An amalgamation of daring, interesting and of the country, the Day is utilized to spread awareness
inspiring stories of both election officers and voters, this among voters for promoting informed participation in the
anthology presents experiences of courage, sacrifice electoral process.

NATIONAL
DAY
2019
THEME No Voter to be Left Behind

Curtain
Raiser
9th National Voters’ Day to be

celebrated on 25th January 2019
T he country will celebrate the 9th

National Voters’ Day on 25th January
2019 at more than 6 lakh locations
Hon’ble President of India Sh. Ram
Nath Kovind will be the Chief Guest at
the national function being organized
covering around 10 lakh Polling Stations by Election Commission of India at
across the country. New Voters shall be Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. Shri Ravi
felicitated and handed over their EPIC Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Law Minister
(Elector Photo Identity Card) in the NVD shall also grace the national function. In
function. view of the upcoming Lok Sabha Election,
‘No Voter to be Left Behind’ has been
selected as the theme for the NVD.
My Vote Matters, a Quarterly Magazine

is being launched on the occasion and
the first copy shall be presented by the
Commission to the Hon’ble President.
The National Awards for the Best

Electoral Practices shall be conferred
to Officers for outstanding performance
in the conduct of elections. In addition,
awards are also being given to CSOs
and Media Houses who have made

outstanding contribution in the field of voter awareness The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated all over the
and outreach. country on January 25 every year since 2011 to mark the
Foundation day of Election Commission of India, which
Chief Election Commissioners and senior officials from was established on this day in the year 1950. The main
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Russia and purpose of the NVD celebration is to encourage, facilitate
Sri Lanka shall grace the occasion. Members of Political and maximize the enrollment, especially for the new
Parties, Members of Parliament besides Diplomats from voters. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the Day is
various countries and representatives from national utilized to spread awareness among voters for promoting
and international organizations working in the area of informed participation in the electoral process.
democracy and elections are also expected to attend the
national function.
No Voter to be Left Behind » 39

CEC
Speech
H onorable President of India, Sh

Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble Union
Law Minister Sh Ravi Shankar Prasad,
dedicated its Foundation Day to the
voters of the country. Ever since then,
NVD is celebrated every year on 25th
Worthy fellow Commissioner, Sh Ashok January with felicitation of new voters all
Lavasa , Leaders of the Political Parties, over the country right from the national
Distinguished Guests, Honorable visiting level down to State, District levels and to
Heads and the Members of the EMB’s, the far and remote corners of our country
Excellencies, Future and New Voters, at each Polling Station location. This is
National Award Winners, Ladies and a unique exercise, largest across the
Gentlemen. democracies of the world.
Shri Sunil Arora
We are privileged to have Hon’ble Voter participation in elections starts

President as the Chief Guest on the with registration in the electoral roll
NVD celebration. His esteemed that culminates in voting on the polling
presence further motivates us to fulfill day. The Commission’s initiatives over
our commitment towards constitutional the years reflect sustained efforts for
mandate for conduct of free and fair inclusion of all categories of voters and
elections in the country and in our this year the Commission has selected
continued endeavor for enhancing the theme ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’
electoral participation in the country. for the 9th NVD. This theme carries
Hon’ble Sir, we are extremely grateful tremendous significance and import
to you for your august presence on this especially as we approach the General
occasion. Election to 17th ‘Lok Sabha’.
Scan for The tradition of celebrating the National The Commission has taken initiatives
CEC Message Voters’ Day started in 2011, when, ECI for enhancing women’s participation

and turnout of women voters in recent elections has on pilot basis in 4 states of Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand
been encouraging. All Women Polling stations have and Manipur and in the entire state of Goa. ETPBS has
been set up as a unique initiative for encouraging wider now been used in all the State Assembly Elections
participation of women in the electoral process. conducted during 2017-2018. We aim at enhancing the
participation of Service Voters in the elections.
Obliteration of barriers in participation is key to
empowering Persons with Disabilities. The Commission While the country prepares for the election to the 17th
is committed to make the electoral process accessible to Lok Sabha, which is perhaps world’s largest democratic
all Persons with disabilities. EPIC in Braille and Braille on exercise, we at Commission are ready and fully equipped
Voter slip for blind electors, besides the existing Braille to facilitate the more than 87 crore electors* in exercising
facility on every EVM machine, accessible Awareness their invaluable franchise at the 10 lakh Polling Stations
Material, Mobile APP to facilitate PwD’s, transport facility that have been set up across the country. Our endeavor
for PwD voters on poll day are some of the new initiatives is to make elections more and more inclusive, voter
that have been taken up recently and shall be further friendly, transparent and festive. And in this pursuit, we
strengthened in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. have brought in place several initiatives for efficient and
Disability Data bases have been built up at the Polling effective connect with voters and for strengthening the
Station level for facilitating the PwD’s and provide them elector confidence.
with a barrier free electoral participation experience.
Polling stations manned by PwD’s have also been set up VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in every polling
at some places. station to enhance the transparency of the elections.
Every Voter will be able to verify his or vote through
The Commission implemented ETPBS (Electronically VVPAT. Effective voter education for EVM and VVPAT is
Transmitted Postal Ballot System)for Service Voters being provided.

The election office is just a call away and our Voter institutions are envisaged to enhance informed, inclusive
helpline No 1950 will be able to provide citizens all and ethical electoral participation.
information and assistance. SMS services are also
provided on the same number alongwith online voter During the year 2018, the Commission has successfully
facilitation and grievance redressal through phone, as conducted elections to the 9 State Legislatures in a free,
well as on-line. fair and peaceful manner. The ‘National Awards’ handed
over by the Hon’ble President today, are recognition
cVIGIL provides time stamped evidentiary proof of to the services rendered for election work by millions
model code of conduct and expenditure violation by of personnel including security forces. Their valuable
empowering every citizen to click a photo or video using assistance helps us in successful conduct of free, fair
Smartphone. cVIGIL acts not only as a potent decision and credible elections besides shaping up the process
support system tool for election machinery but also into ‘gold standard’ by facing the challenges that
ensures participation of common man in conducting free emerge while managing electoral operations. These
and fair elections. awards are a big source of inspiration for times to come
especially in the year of Lok Sabha Elections.
ELC programme, as an investment in future of
democracy, was launched on 8th NVD. 2.11 Lakh With these words, I thank you once again Sir, for gracing
Electoral Literacy Clubs and ‘Chunav Pathshalas’ have the occasion with your esteemed presence. Your
been established in schools, colleges and communities words of guidance are important to us in fulfilment our
in different states. Voter Awareness Forums have constitutional mandate.
launched for enhancing awareness and participation
from voters across the organizations in the country. These Jai Hind!

President
Address
1. आज, निर्वाचन-आयोग के 70वें स्‍थापना-दिवस तथा नौवें जानकारी, जि़म्‍मेदारी, नैतिकता और सं वेदनशीलता से काम
‘राष्‍ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस’ के अवसर पर आप सभी को हार्दिक लेना होगा। आप सभी युवा मतदाता उस पीढ़ी के प्रतिनिधि
बधाई। कल हम अपने गणतं त्र की 70वीं वर्षगांठ मनाएं गे। हैं जो पहली बार हमारे देश में इस वर्ष होने वाले आम चुनाव
आज के दिन ‘राष्‍ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस’ मनाने की यह परंपरा में मतदान करेंगे और 17वीं लोकसभा का स्‍वरूप तय करेंगे।
हमारे लोकतं त्र के लिए बहुत ही प्रासं गिक और सार्थक है। आप सबकी यह पीढ़ी अपने विवेक पर आधारित मतदान के
जरिए 21वीं सदी के भारत का भविष्‍य भी निर्धारित करेगी।
2. निर्वाचन-आयोग द्वारा चुनाव प्रक्रिया के विभिन्‍न पहलुओ ं मुझे विश्‍वास है कि आप सब भारत के सं विधान के आदर्शों
में विशिष्‍ट योगदान को मान्‍यता प्रदान करने के लिए पुरस्‍कार और मूल्‍यों को मजबूत बनाएँ गे।
दिया जाना सराहनीय है। मैं आज पुरस्‍कार पाने वाले सभी
श्री राम नाथ कोविन्‍द अधिकारियों, सं स्‍थानों और अन्‍य स्‍टेकहोल्‍डर्स को बधाई देता 5. आज भारतीय लोकतं त्र पूरे विश्‍व के सामने एक मिसाल है।
हूँ । मैं आशा करता हूँ कि वे देश में चुनाव प्रक्रिया को निष्‍पक्ष व विश्‍व का सबसे बड़ा लोकतं त्र होने के साथ-साथ यह दनु िया का
सफल बनाने में अपना बहुमूल्‍य योगदान देते रहेंगे। सबसे अधिक विविधतापूर्ण लोकतं त्र भी है। हमारे लोकतं त्र की
सफलता में हमारी चुनाव प्रक्रिया से जुड़े सभी स्‍टेकहोल्‍डर्स का
3. एक गणराज्‍य के रूप में भारत के स्‍थापित होने के साथ योगदान सराहनीय है। परंतु नि:सं देह, सबसे महत्‍वपूर्ण भूमिका
ही, स्‍वतं त्र एवं निष्‍पक्ष निर्वाचन-आयोग की स्‍थापना, हमारे मतदाताओं और निर्वाचन-आयोग की रहती है। सही मायने में,
सं विधान निर्माताओं की दू रदर्शिता और लोकतं त्र के प्रति हमारी निर्वाचन-आयोग और मतदाता एक-दू सरे के पूरक हैं।
आस्‍था को दर्शाता है।
6. निर्वाचन-आयोग द्वारा मतदाताओं को चुनाव की
4. आज, यहाँ उपस्थित युवा मतदाताओं को ‘इलेक्‍शन फोटो लोकतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया में सक्रिय भाग लेने के लिए प्रोत्‍साहित
आइडेंटिटी कार्ड्स’ देकर मुझे बहुत प्रसन्‍नता हुई है। पहली किया जाता है। आज हमारे देश में लगभग 89 करोड़ मतदाता
बार मतदान का अधिकार प्राप्‍त करने पर आप सबको बहुत- हैं और मतदान कें द्रों की सं ख्‍या लगभग दस लाख होती है।
बहुत बधाई। आप सबको जो बैज मिला है उस पर लिखा है, इनमें बहुत से कें द्र, जं गलों-पहाड़ों-रेगिस्‍तानों जैसे दर्गु म स्‍थानों
‘Proud to be a voter – Ready to vote’. विश्‍व पर होते हैं। बहुत से मतदाताओं की शारीरिक अवस्‍था के
के सबसे बड़े लोकतं त्र में, मतदाता के रूप में योगदान देने कारण उनके लिए विशेष व्‍यवस्‍था करनी पड़ती है। लेकिन, हर
का अवसर मिलना, वास्‍तव में गौरव की बात है। अपने इस चुनौती का सामना करते हुए, हमारे मतदाताओं और निर्वाचन-
गौरवपूर्ण अधिकार का उपयोग करते समय, आप सबको, आयोग के सं युक्‍त प्रयासों के बल पर मतदान प्रक्रिया निष्‍पक्षता

8. मुझे आज भेंट की गई निर्वाचन-आयोग की पत्रिका ‘My Vote Matters’ का

नाम बहुत ही प्रासं गिक है। प्रत्‍येक मतदाता का वोट सरकार बनाने की प्रक्रिया में समान
महत्‍व रखता है। हर मतदाता अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग कर सके , यह सुनिश्चित
करने के लिए निर्वाचन-आयोग के तहत एक बहुत बड़ा चुनावतं त्र काम करता है।
कें द्रीय सुरक्षा बलों, अन्‍य सुरक्षार्मियों तथा भारतीय रेल द्वारा बहुत महत्‍वपूर्ण सहायता
प्रदान की जाती है। शिक्षकों, कें द्र एवं राज्‍य सरकारों के विभिन्‍न स्‍तरों के कर्मचारियों
और अधिकारियों तथा अनेक अन्‍य सं स्‍थानों के कर्मचारियों के सहयोग से, पूरे देश
में, चुनाव प्रक्रिया से जुड़ी सभी गतिविधियाँ सम्‍पन्‍न कराई जाती हैं। मतदाता सूची
बनाने से लेकर मतदान के परिणामों की घोषणा होने के बीच जो अनेक कार्य किए
जाते हैं उनकी विशालता और जटिलता का अनुमान करना भी सामान्‍य व्‍यक्ति के लिए
मुश्किल है। तमाम चुनौतियों का सामना करते हुए हमारे चुनावकर्मियों ने भारतीय
चुनाव प्रक्रिया की विश्‍वसनीयता निरंतर मजबूत की है। चुनाव प्रक्रिया में, हमारे
मतदाताओं की गहरी आस्‍था है। इस विश्‍वसनीयता के पीछे गहरी निष्‍ठा, कड़ी मेहनत,
निष्‍पक्षता और पारदर्शिता की वह सं स्‍कृति है जिसे निर्वाचन-आयोग ने अपने निरंतर
प्रयासों से समृद्ध किया है।
9. भौगोलिक विविधता से सम्‍पन्‍न हमारे विशाल देश में सफलतापूर्वक चुनाव कराने में
और सफलता के साथ सम्‍पन्‍न होती है। सफलतापूर्वक मतदान करने के असाधारण आधुनिक टेक्‍नॉलॉजी और पद्धतियों के उपयोग से बहुत सहायता मिलती है। पूरे विश्‍व
दृश्‍य देखने को मिलते हैं। इस सफलता के लिए भारत का प्रत्‍येक मतदाता और भारत में भारत के लोकतं त्र और निर्वाचन-प्रणाली का विशेष सम्‍मान है। कई देशों के चुनाव-
का निर्वाचन-आयोग बधाई के पात्र हैं। सं स्‍थानों ने हमारी निर्वाचन प्रक्रिया और प्रबं धन का अध्‍ययन किया है। अनेक देशों के
निर्वाचन-प्रबं धन से जुड़े अधिकारियों को भारत के निर्वाचन-आयोग ने प्रशिक्षण दिया
7. मुझे बताया गया है कि इस वर्ष के मतदाता दिवस की ‘थीम’ है ‘नो वोटर टू बी है। कई देशों ने अपनी चुनाव-प्रक्रिया को और प्रभावी बनाने के लिए हमारे निर्वाचन-
लेफ्ट बिहाइं ड’ यानि ‘कोई भी मतदाता, न छू टे’। इस सोच के आधार पर किए गए आयोग का सहयोग भी लिया है।
प्रयासों से राजनीतिक समानता के अधिकार का प्रयोग करने में हमारे मतदाताओं को
सहायता मिलती है। पिछले महीने मैं गुजरात में ‘गीर नेशनल फॉरेस्‍ट’ गया था। मुझे 10. हमारे चुनाव-प्रकिया की सफलता में सिविल सोसाइटी और मीडिया ने अत्‍यं त
बताया गया कि वहाँ के वल एक मतदाता के लिए भी मतदान कें द्र बनाया गया था। ऐसे महत्‍वपूर्ण भूमिका अदा की है। मुझे विश्‍वास है कि बुद्धिजीवियों और प्रबुद्ध नागरिकों
कई अन्‍य दर्गु म क्षेत्रों में, बहुत कम मतदाताओं के लिए भी मतदान-कें द्र बनाए जाते की सहायता से सामान्‍य नागरिक, इस चुनाव प्रक्रिया में और अधिक आस्‍था और
हैं। निर्वाचन-आयोग का यह प्रयास रहता है कि मतदाताओं को मतदान के लिए दो उत्‍साह के साथ जुड़् ेंगे।
किलोमीटर से अधिक न चलना पड़े। दिव्‍यांग मतदाताओं की सुविधा के लिए विशेष
प्रयास किए जा रहे हैं। विभिन्‍न समूहों के स्‍तर पर ‘चुनाव-पाठशालाएं ’ आयोजित की 11. लोकतं त्र में सरकार, लोगों की होती है। यह सरकार लोगों द्वारा और लोगों के लिए
जा रही हैं। सैन्‍य कर्मियों में मतदान के प्रति जागरूकता के लिए विशेष कार्यक्रम चलाए बनाई जाती है। मतदान के जरिए ही लोग अपनी सरकार बनाते हैं। आम चुनाव हमारे
जाते हैं। आधुनिक सं चार माध्‍यमों के जरिए मतदाताओं में जागरूकता बढ़ाने के प्रयास लोकतं त्र के महायज्ञ हैं। आज ‘राष्‍ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस’ के अवसर पर मेरा नागरिकों से
किए जा रहे हैं। स्‍कू ल-कालेजों में मतदाता दिवस का आयोजन नई पीढ़ी को देशहित अनुरोध है कि आप सभी, वर्ष 2019 में होने वाले इस महायज्ञ में, मतदान करके , प्रत्‍यक्ष
से जोड़ने की दिशा में एक महत्‍वपूर्ण पहल है। युवा और भावी मतदाताओं के बीच रूप से अपनी भागीदारी निभाएं । साथ ही, अन्‍य नागरिकों को भी मतदान करने के लिए
चुनाव प्रक्रिया के प्रति उत्‍साह और जागरूकता पैदा करने के लिए ‘निर्वाचन साक्षरता प्रेरित करके , आप सब इस लोकतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया को और अधिक मजबूत बनाए।
क्‍लब’ की भी व्‍यवस्‍था की गई है। महिला मतदाताओं को प्रोत्‍साहित करने के लिए,
के वल महिलाओं द्वारा सं चालित मतदान कें द्रों की सं ख्‍या में निरंतर वृद्धि की जा रही धन्‍यवाद
है। इस वर्ष की ‘थीम’ और उसके अनुसार किए जा रहे प्रयासों के लिए मैं निर्वाचन-
आयोग की सराहना करता हूँ । जय हिन्‍द!

National
Awards

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Karnataka
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Chhattisgarh AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Meghalaya

BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES AWARD FOR INCLUSIVE VOTER BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE
EDUCATION & OUTREACH: Ms. Aarti Dogra, DEO Ajmer, Rajasthan MEASURES: Dr Manzir Jeelani, DEO Wokha, Nagaland
BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES AWARD ELECTION MANAGEMENT: BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES AWARD VOTER EDUCATION &
Shri Vikas Singh, DEO Dhalai, Tripura OUTREACH: Shri Ashish Saxena, DEO Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh
BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES AWARD SECURITY MANAGEMENT: SPECIAL AWARD CPF COORDINATION PRESENTED: Shri Vijay
Shri Mohit Garg, SP Bijapur, Chhattisgarh Kumar, IG CRPF

SPECIAL AWARD: Movement of Forces to Indian Railways ELECTRONIC MEDIA (TELEVISION) CATEGORY: IBC24 News
(Sawal Aapka Hai) Satellite News Channel
SPECIAL AWARD ACCESSIBLE ELECTION: Ms B Shailaja, NATIONAL CSO AWARD FOR BEST CAMPAIGN ON
Director, Welfare of Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens, ACCESSIBILITY: Aarushi Society, Madhya Pradesh
Telangana
 PRINT MEDIA CATEGORY: Nai Dunia, (Raipur Unit,

Chhattisgarh) of Dainik Jagran Group
 ONLINE (INTERNET) SOCIAL MEDIA CATEGORY: Josh Talks

Press
Release
National Voters’ Day celebrated on

25th January
President of India lauds initiatives
being taken up by Election
Commission in preparation for the Lok
Sabha Elections 2019
T he 9th National Voters’ Day (NVD)

is celebrated across the country on
25th January 2019. The theme for NVD
electoral roll and to encourage them to
exercise the Right to Vote. Referring to
his recent visit to Gir National Forest in
this year was ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’ Gujarat where he came to know about
reiterating the commitment of Election set up of a polling station in the remote
Commission of India (ECI) in view of the location that too for a single voter, Shri
Lok Sabha elections due this year. Kovind lauded the efforts of ECI to make
every vote count in consonance with the
Hon’ble President of India Sh. Ram Nath theme of the year.
Kovind, while presiding over the National
Function organized by ECI at Manekshaw He said that the framers of our
Centre, Delhi hailed various interventions Constitution set up the Election
taken up by the Commission for conduct Commission as an independent and
of free, fair and participative elections and constitutional body one day before the
particularly appreciated the initiatives for birth of the Republic of India. This reflects
reaching out to voters in the remotest an immense regard and deep-rooted
corner to enroll their names in the belief in democracy and the democratic

spirit. Talking about the electoral process – beginning under the SVEEP programme particularly mentioning
with the preparation of electoral rolls and concluding with the Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) Programme and the All
the declaration of election results – he said it is difficult Women Managed Polling Station initiative.
for an ordinary person to comprehend the complexity
of the entire process. The President said that through On receiving the inaugural issue of the new magazine of
all this, the credibility of Indian electoral system has ECI he said that the magazine is most appropriately titled
continuously strengthened and Indian voters have a firm “My Vote Matters” and Every Vote counts equally in the
belief in the integrity, diligence, fairness and transparency formation of a government.
of the election mechanism of the country.
Speaking on the same occasion, Sh Ravi Shankar Prasad,
Applauding winners of the National Awards the President Union Minister, Law & Justice complimented ECI for
asked them to keep contributing to conduct of free and the stellar role played by it for strengthening the Indian
fair elections. Congratulating the new voters who were democracy. He lauded the courage, commitment and
handed over the EPIC on this occasion, he asked them to foresight shown by successive Commissions for conduct
take informed decision while casting their vote and said of free & fair elections and said that all should trust and
that their decision will define the future of the country. He believe the sanctity of the election process. Appreciating
said, Voters and Election Commission are most crucial various initiatives of ECI for voter education and outreach
to democracy and they compliment each other and also he said voter education is integral to a good democracy.
appreciated various initiatives taken by the Commission

Earlier while addressing the audience, Shri Sunil Arora, were conferred to Officers for outstanding performance
Chief Election Commissioner reiterated Commission’s in the conduct of elections. Special Awards were given
commitment to make elections more and more inclusive, to Departments and Officers from various departments
voter friendly, transparent and festive and shared the for their contribution in smooth conduct of elections the
new initiatives being taken up for efficient and effective general election to the Assemblies of 9 states in 2018.
connect with the voters and for strengthening the elector In addition, Awards were also given to CSOs and Media
confidence. Houses who have made outstanding contribution in the
field of voter awareness and outreach in these elections.
He briefed the audience about the cVIGIL initiative that
provides time stamping proof of model code of conduct Chief Election Commissioners and senior officials from
and expenditure violation by empowering every citizen to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Russia and Sri
click a photo or video using Smartphone. Lanka and Heads/Senior Representatives of International
Organisations viz. Malaysian Commonwealth Studies
In his welcome address, Shri Ashok Lavas, Election Centre, U.K.; International Centre for Parliamentary
Commissioner briefed the audience about the Studies, U.K. and International Institute for Democracy
significance of the day, saying that on this day we and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) graced the occasion and
celebrate liberty and maturing of young minds into also visited the new campus of the India International
responsible citizens and thanked all stakeholders Institute of Democracy and Election Management
including voluntary organisations for their support. (IIIDEM) at Dwarka, New Delhi. Members of Political
Parties, Members of Parliament besides Diplomats from
The First Issue of ECI’s quarterly bi-lingual magazine various countries and representatives from national
‘My Vote Matters’ was presented by the Commission and international organizations working in the area of
to the Hon’ble President of India. The new magazine democracy and elections attended the National Voters’
hosts interesting and informative articles on many core Day function.
subjects, new initiatives and topics of concurrent interest
in elections, electoral processes and practices with the The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated all over the
objective of developing a larger connect and interface country on January 25 every year since 2011 to mark the
with all the Stakeholders. Foundation day of Election Commission of India, which
was established on this day in the year 1950. The main
As part of the regular NVD activity of felicitating the purpose of the NVD celebration is to encourage, facilitate
newly eligible voter, 6 young voters from Delhi were and maximize the enrollment, especially for the new
handed over their EPIC by the Hon’ble President. voters. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the Day is
utilized to spread awareness among voters for promoting
The National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices informed participation in the electoral process.

NATIONAL
DAY
2018
THEME Accessible Elections
CEC Messsage/ President National Press

Speech52 Address55 Awards57 Release62
Shri O P Rawat
CEC
Message
मुझे 8वें राष्‍ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस पर अपने देश के नागरिकों को बधाई देते हुए अत्‍यं त गौरव की अनुभूति हो रही है। यह दिन
दनु िया के सबसे बड़े लोकतं त्र का एक अनोखा उत्‍सव है। मैं नए मतदाताओं का स्‍वागत करता हूं ; विशेषकर उन मिलेनियम
मतदाताओं का, जिन्‍हें अभी पं जीकृ त किया गया है, उनका आह्वान करता हूं कि वे अपने-अपने निर्वाचन-क्षेत्र में अगले निर्वाचन में
अपने मताधिकार का स्‍वतं त्र एवं निष्‍पक्ष रूप से प्रयोग करें ।
भारत निर्वाचन आयोग की स्‍थापना आज ही के दिन सन् 1950 में हुई थी। वर्ष 2011 से इसे राष्‍ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस के रूप में
मनाने का फै सला किया गया। यह दिन भारत के मतदाताओं को समर्पित है और यह प्रत्‍येक भारतीय नागरिक को धर्म, नस्‍ल,
जाति, समुदाय, भाषा क्षेत्र या सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थितियों की परवाह किए बिना उन्‍हें दिए गए वयस्‍क मताधिकार के सं वैधानिक
अधिकारों की याद दिलाता है। इस दिन, एक ‘शपथ’ के माध्‍यम से लोकतं त्र के प्रति अपने अटल विश्‍वास को दोहराते हुए, हम
अपने देश की समृद्ध लोकतांत्रिक परं पराओं और स्‍वतं त्र, निष्‍पक्ष एवं शांतिपूर्ण चुनावों की शुचिता को बनाए रखने का फिर से
सं कल्‍प लेते हैं।
निर्वाचनों में नागरिकों की भागीदारी, मतदाता सूची में अपना नाम पं जीकृ त करवाने और मतदान के दिन मतदान के अधिकार की
पुष्टि के साथ शुरू होती है। हमने लगातार प्रयासों के माध्‍यम से 9.97 लाख* मतदान कें द्रों में फै ले 87.57 करोड़* निर्वाचकों की
मतदाता सूची बना ली है। ये मतदान कें द्र दू र-दराज के इलाकों सहित अपने देश के विशाल भू-भाग को कवर करते हैं।
भारत निर्वाचन आयोग ने सभी श्रेणियों के मतदाताओं की सर्व-समावेशी, जागरूक और नैतिक चुनावी भागीदारी को प्रोत्‍साहित
करने और बढ़ाने के अपने निरं तर प्रयास में कई प्रकार की पहल की हैं। इनमें ‘कोई भी मतदाता न छूटे’ theme के अनुरूप
मतदान कें द्र स्‍तर तक मतदाताओं के साथ भली प्रकार से जुड़ने के लिए सोशल मीडिया सहित टेक्‍नोलॉजी एवं मीडिया को एकीकृ त
किया गया है।
मतदाता शिक्षा, मतदाता को निर्वाचन प्रक्रियाओं के साथ जोड़ती है। मतदाता शिक्षा कार्यक्रम स्‍वीप को भावी एवं नए मतदाताओं
को जोड़ने के लिए और अधिक सुदृढ़ किया गया है। Interactive School Engagement एवं राष्‍ट्रीय निर्वाचन प्रश्‍नोत्‍तरी
प्रतियोगिता को स्‍कू लों एवं भावी मतदाताओं से शानदार प्रतिक्रिया मिली है। शै‍क्षणिक सं स्‍थानों के माध्‍यम से निर्वाचकीय
साक्षरता को मुख्‍य धारा में लाने की शुरूआत की गई है जिसके अंतर्गत आज Electoral Literacy Clubs ya Chunav
Pathshala launch किया जा रहा है।
VVPAT युक्‍त EVM को 100% कवरे ज द्वारा निर्वाचकों के भरोसे को और मजबूत करने के लिए महत्‍वपूर्ण पहल की गई है।
ई-सेवाएं प्रदान करने के लिए ERO-NET प्रारम्‍भ किया गया। सेवा मतदाताओं के पं जीकरण के लिए विशेष पहल भी की गई।
दिव्‍यांगजनों के पं जीकरण एवं उनकी सहभागिता को सुगम बनाने के लिए आयोग ने वर्ष 2018 का theme ‘सुगम निर्वाचन’
सुनिश्चित किया है।
मैं एक बार फिर देश के प्रत्‍येक नागरिक को राष्‍ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस, 2018 के अवसर पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
जय हिदं !

CEC
Speech
H onorable President of India,

Sh Ram Nath Kovind, my fellow
Commissioners, Sh Arora and Sh.
Having been established on 25th January,
1950, today is the 69th Foundation Day
of the Election Commission of India. With
Lavasa, Leaders of the Political Parties, a view to enhance youth participation,
Distinguished Guests, Honorable the Commission decided to take up
Heads and the Members of the EMB’s, a vigorous exercise to identify all the
Excellencies, Future, New and Millennium eligible voters attaining the age of 18
Voters from NCT of Delhi, Award Winners, years as on 1st of January every year,
Ladies and Gentlemen. enroll them and facilitate them on this
day. The Commission appreciated the
Shri O P Rawat
I am privileged and honored to stand significance and import of the entire
before this distinguished gathering exercise and institutionalized it by
on the eve of the ‘Eighth National deciding to celebrate its Foundation
Voters’ Day’. We are privileged to have Day as ‘National Voters’ Day’ (NVD) every
Honorable President as the Chief Guest. year and the first NVD was celebrated
His august presence inspires us in our on 25th January, 2011.Since then a series
continued commitment and endeavor for of events including public functions are
fulfillment of the constitutional mandate organized around this day as a vibrant
for conduct of free and fair elections and robust expression of participation
in the country and the initiatives taken at the national, state, district and down
for enhancing and strengthening the to the polling station level along with all
electoral participation in the country. We other stakeholders.
are extremely thankful to you Sir for your
esteemed presence on the eve of 8th Future and new voters have been one of
National Voters’ day function. the key focus areas of the Commission as
an investment in the future of democracy.
Accessible Elections » 53
to the citizens of the country and all the

political parties for reposing total trust
and confidence in the Commission. We in
the Commission have always strived hard
to live up to this confidence by our sheer
neutrality, fairness, transparency and high
grade professionalism in the tasks as per
mandate under the Constitution.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Commission has

taken several initiatives during the year 2017
in its continued endeavor to encourage and
enhance inclusive, informed and ethical
Their engagement in the NVD helps in inculcating a electoral participation from all categories of voters. The
sense of citizenship, empowerment and pride in electoral initiatives integrate technology and media including social
participation as also to encourage them for exercise of media for efficiency and efficacy of connect with the voters
their newly acquired franchise in an informed, inclusive down to the polling station level in consonance with theme
and ethical manner on time. NVD celebrations renew our ‘No voter to be left behind’.
commitment to this cause.
On behalf of the Commission, I congratulate the young
NVD is celebrated all over the country right from the voters including millennium voters who have joined our
national level to the far and remote corners of our country prestigious electoral registry and all award winners for their
down to each Polling Station location where new voters outstanding contribution to the electoral participation.
are being felicitated with a badge carrying the logo ‘Proud
to be a Voter- Ready to Vote’, administered the Pledge Sir, keeping in line with the theme ‘Accessible Elections’
and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). for the year 2018, an international seminar was organized
This is a unique electoral participation exercise across the yesterday on ‘Inclusion of the Persons with Disabilities
democracies of the world. in the Electoral Processes’. The seminar is hosted on the
VoICE.NET Platform for knowledge sharing across the
On this day, the Commission also gives recognition to world. A series of guidelines have already been issued
the services rendered by millions of polling personnel on the subject. We intend consolidating our efforts on
including police forces and other personnel engaged in accessible elections during the year.
the election work. Their valuable assistance helps not
only in successful conduct of elections in a free and fair I thank you, all the dignitaries present here for participating
manner, but also shape up the process into global gold in the Eighth NVD. I also thank all the participants in the
standard by overcoming formidable challenges thrown up NVD functions across the country for joining this mega
by the gigantic electoral operations, difficult climatic and celebration of elections and democracy in our country.
terrain at many occasions.
Jai Hind!
On the occasion of 8th NVD, I convey special thanks

President
Address
1. राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस भारतीय लोकतं त्र के लिए महत्वपूर्ण ही बार में वयस्क मताधिकार लागू कर देश के मतदाताओं में
दिन है और इस शुभ अवसर पर भारतीय चुनाव आयोग द्वारा भरोसा व्यक्त किया। इसके लिए हम सब देश के निवासी आज
आयोजित इस कार्यक्रम में भाग लेना मेरे लिए खुशी की बात सं विधान निर्माताओं के प्रति कृ तज्ञता ज्ञापित करते हैं।
है। गणतं त्र राष्ट्र बनने के एक दिन पहले स्वतं त्र, निष्पक्ष एवं
मज़बूत चुनाव आयोग की स्थापना हमारे लोकतं त्र की ताकत 3. भारत की राजनैतिक व्यवस्था एवं प्रत्येक आम चुनाव में
को दर्शाता है। 25 जनवरी, 2011 से मनाते आ रहे राष्ट्रीय भारतीय मतदाताओं ने हमारे सं विधान निर्माताओं के इस
मतदाता दिवस का उद्देश्य भारतीय मतदाताओं को लोकतांत्रिक भरोसे को हमेशा मज़बूत किया। निर्वाचन आयोग ने इस दिशा
राजनीतिक प्रक्रिया में सक्रिय भाग लेने के लिए प्रोत्साहित में उल्लेखनीय कार्य किया है। मैं सभी राज्य व जिला निर्वाचन
करना है। और यही कारण है कि गणतं त्र दिवस से पहले इस अधिकारियों को भी इस अवसर पर मतदाता जागरुकता
श्री राम नाथ कोविन्द दिन की प्रासं गिकता बेहद सटीक बैठती है। इस अवसर पर अभियान के लिए बधाई देता हूं। आज निर्वाचन में सराहनीय
मैं देश के सभी मतदाताओं को और पहली बार मतदान का कार्य करने वाले अधिकारियों को सम्मानित किया गया है,
अधिकार प्राप्त करने वाली अपनी युवा पीढ़ी को बधाई देता हूं। मैं उन्हें भी बधाई देता हूं और आशा करता हूं कि वे देश के
सफल व निष्पक्ष चुनाव अभियान में अपना सार्थक योगदान
2. चुनाव में वोट देना गणतं त्र में यज्ञ की तरह है जहां हर देते रहेंगे। निर्वाचन आयोग की यह पहल प्रशं सनीय है। चुनाव
एक वोट आहुति के समान है। यह आयोजन हम सभी आयोग की तरफ से मतदाता जागरुकता हेतु कई अन्य पहल
भारतवासियों को अपने देश के प्रति कर्तव्य की याद दिलाता जैसे कि Interactive School Engagement, ECI
है कि हर एक वोट जरूरी है और हर वयस्क नागरिक के लिए की राष्ट्रीय चुनाव क्विज एवं शैक्षिक सं स्थानों में चुनावी साक्षरता
मतदान करना जरूरी है। लोकतं त्र के प्रतीक भारतीय सं विधान क्लब उपयोगी कदम है। सं चार प्रौद्योगिक के माध्यम से चुनाव
में स्वतं त्र चुनाव आयोग व चुनाव प्रक्रिया की अवधारणा आयोग की दक्षता एवं प्रभावकारिता में और सुधार हुए हैं।
समानता व स्वतं त्रता के अधिकार के साथ हर व्यक्ति के वोट साथ ही चुनाव आयोग की समावेशी योजना से Voter turn
को महत्वपूर्ण बनाती है। और इसी वजह से भारतीय लोकतं त्र out के साथ-साथ मतदाता के विश्र्वास को और अधिक
सं पूर्ण विश्र्व में अपनी परिपक्वता व स्थिरता के लिए जाना मज़बूती मिली है।
जाता है। इसका सारा श्रेय भारतीय मतदाता को जाता है।
और मतदाता को यह शक्ति दी है हमारे सं विधान ने। विश्र्व के 4. आज भारतीय निर्वाचन आयोग की पूरे विश्र्व में साख बनी
विकसित देशों ने अपने देश के मतदाताओं पर भरोसा करने में है। मुझे खुशी है कि आज ई-प्लेटफार्म के माध्यम से मतदाता
वर्षों लगाए, कई आन्दोलन किए लेकिन हमारे सं विधान ने एक शिक्षा हेतु की गई पहल से भारतीय चुनाव आयोग की पहचान
वैश्र्विक स्तर पर कायम है। विश्र्व के सबसे बड़े लेकतं त्र में स्वतं त्र निष्पक्ष निर्वाचन हेतु पसन्द और नापसन्द प्रकट करें एवं युवावर्ग को सही रास्ता दिखाने की जिम्मेवारी लें।
निर्वाचन आयोग की कटिबद्धता हमारे लिए गौरव की बात है। निरन्तर व्यापक सुधार
की दिशा में मतदाता पहचान पत्र भी एक क्रान्तिकारी कदम है। तकनीक का उपयोग 6. भारतीय निर्वाचन आयोग तथा देश के सभी मतदाताओं को मैं आज राष्ट्रीय
कर प्रत्येक मतदाता को मतदाता पहचान पत्र प्रदान करना भारत जैसे बड़े लोकतं त्र के मतदाता दिवस पर शुभकामनाएं देता हूं। और उम्मीद करता हूं कि देश का हर एक
लिए मील का पत्थर है। नागरिक सजग होकर, जागरुक होकर सं विधान प्रदत्त अधिकारों का प्रयोग कर
मतदान करें तथा औरों को भी मतदान के लिए प्रेरित करें। अपने प्रतिनिधि की सही
5. राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस मनाने के पीछे एक विचार यह भी है कि पहली बार मतदाता परख कर सही वोट देकर देश के विकास में अपनी हिस्सेदारी बढ़ाएं।
बनने वाले युवाओं को मतदान प्रक्रिया में सक्रिय भागीदारी हेतु प्रेरित किया जाए
लेकिन मेरी युवा वर्ग से अपेक्षा इससे ज्यादा है। हमेशा युवा वर्ग ने आगे आकर देश के 7. अंत में एक बार फिर से आप सभी को राष्ट्रीय मतदाता दिवस पर ढेर सारी
नेतत्व
ृ में अपना हाथ बं टाया है, अपनी जिम्मेदारियों का निर्वहन किया है। हर स्तर पर शुभमानाएं देता हूं। चुनाव आयोग व पुरस्कृ त अधिकारियों को बधाई देते हुए उनकी
आपका प्रतिनिधि आपकी अपेक्षाओं पर खरा उतरने वाला हो, देश को सही दिशा में ले कर्मठता एवं निष्पक्ष निर्वाचन प्रणाली हेतु उनके योगदान की सराहना करता हूं।
जाने वाला हो। इसके लिए अपने समाज को जागरुक और सावधान बनाने का जिम्मा
हर एक युवा को लेना है। जितना निजी जीवन में सावधानी से चीजों का चुनाव करते धन्यवाद,
हैं उतनी ही सावधानी हम अपने प्रतिनिधि का चुनाव करते समय दिखायें। हमारे वरिष्ठ
नागरिकों से भी आग्रह करता हूं कि वे अपने वोट के ज़रिए अपने अनुभव से अपनी जय हिन्द।

National
Awards

national function in Delhi. EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR VOTER EDUCATION AND
ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION: Pushpendra Rajput, CEO Himachal
Pradesh
EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT: INNOVATIVE MEASURES (General): Kaushal Raj Sharma, DEO,
Ms. Radha Raturi, CEO Uttarakhand (Dr. Shanamugam, Addl. CEO, Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand received the award on behalf of Ms RadhaRaturi,
CEO Uttarakhand)
EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR VOTER EDUCATION AND EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR INNOVATION: Sh. Kunal, CEO Goa
ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION: V K Dewangan, CEO Manipur
EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR ELECTION MANAGEMENT:

SECURITY MANAGEMENT (GENERAL): Kabib K, SP, Imphal East
Shri. B B Swain, CEO Gujarat
District, Manipur
EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR SECURITY MANAGEMENT: ELECTION MANAGEMENT (GENERAL): Ms Avantika, Gujarat
Sh. T Venkatesh, CEO Uttar Pradesh ((Sh. Anil Garg, Addl. CEO,
Uttar Pradesh received the award on behalf Sh. T Venkatesh,
CEO, Uttar Pradesh)

ELECTION MANAGEMENT (SPECIAL): Nila Mohanan, DEO, North VOTER EDUCATION & ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION (SPECIAL):
Goa Ritu Suhas, DDC Rajnandgaon, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh
VOTER EDUCATION & ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION (GENERAL): IT INITIATIVES (GENERAL): Ravi Bhagat, DEO, Ludhiana, Punjab
P. Bharathi, DEO, Vadodara, Gujarat
VOTER EDUCATION & ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION (SPECIAL): INNOVATIVE MEASURES (SPECIAL): Lalit Narayan Singh Sandhu,
Ranjana, DEO, RudraPrayag, Uttarakhand Assistant Collector, Vansda, Gujarat
ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT (SPECIAL): Paresh Fal Dessai, INNOVATIVE MEASURES (SPECIAL): Jatinder Singh Aulakh,
SDM & ERO South Goa Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, Punjab
SECURITY MANAGEMENT (SPECIAL): Vivek Gogia, IGP, Goa

INNOVATIVE MEASURES (SPECIAL): Amrit Tripathi, DEO Sitapur,
Uttar Pradesh
ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT (GENERAL): Antara Acharya, NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD FOR FOR CAMPAIGN ON VOTER
DEO, North 24 Parganas EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Hindustan, Uttar Pradesh (Mr.
Shashi Shekhar, Editor-in-chief, Hindustan receives the award)

CSO AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’ NATIONAL AWARD TO GOVT DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: CEO Team,
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Bharat Scouts and Guides, Uttar Delhi (Sh. Rajesh Kumar, Addl. CEO, Delhi and Sh. VikashAhlawat,
Pradesh (Dr. Avadh Naresh Sharma, State Chief Commissioner, Deputy CEO, Delhi receive the award)
Bharat Scouts and Guides, Uttar Pradesh receiving the award)
 IT INITIATIVES (SPECIAL): Vipul Ujwal, DEO, SBS Nagar, Punjab
 ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT (SPECIAL): Om Prakash

Bunkar, ERO, Udaipur
 EXCELLENCE TO STATES FOR IT INNOVATIONS: V K Singh,

CEO Punjab
Press
Release
President Shri Ram Nath Kovind

Graces the 8th National Voters Day
Celebrations held at New Delhi;
President felicitates newly registered
Voters and gives away awards on Best
Electoral Practices
First Copy of VoICE India Magazine
launched at the event
T he Election Commission of India

celebrated the 8th National Voters
Day in New Delhi today. Hon’ble President
Kovind said that we have been
celebrating National Voters Day on
January 25 every year since 2011. The aim
of India, Sh. Ram Nath Kovind graced is to encourage our voters to participate
the National function as the Chief Guest enthusiastically in the democratic
along with Minister of Law & Justice, Sh. process. And that is why the relevance
Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi. This of this day is even more pronounced on
year’s celebrations revolved around the eve of Republic Day. The President
the theme ‘Accessible Elections’, which congratulated young voters who have just
expressed ECI’s pursuit of working turned 18 and got the right to vote for the
towards making the electoral process first time. “Our Constitution empowers an
more inclusive and friendly for Persons independent Election Commission. And
with Disabilities (PwDs). our election process makes every vote
important, with the right to equality and
Addressing the gathering President freedom. As such Indian democracy is

known through the world for its maturity and stability.” ‘Accessible Elections’ for the year 2018, an international
He reminded that Developed Countries took many years Conference was organised yesterday on ‘Inclusion of
to hand over the suffrage right to its citizens whereas the Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Processes’.
the Indian Constitution empowered the Indian citizens in “Guidelines are already in place on the subject. We intend
one stroke. to consolidate our efforts on accessible elections based
on the insights of this Conference’, he said.
Law and Justice Minister, Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad
congratulated Election Commission of India for Introducing the best electoral practices awards, Election
organizing National Voters’ Day and honoring millennium Commissioner, Sh. Sunil Arora appreciated the role of all
voters. those who were selected for the awards. Earlier, Election
Commissioner, Sh. Ashok Lavasa delivered welcome
Speaking on the occasion the newly appointed Chief address and congratulated young electors, who have
Election Commissioner Sh. O. P. Rawat informed that the become eligible as voter on 1st January, 2018. Sr. Deputy
Commission has taken several initiatives in its continued Election Commissioner, Sh. Umesh Sinha proposed vote
endeavor to encourage and enhance inclusive, informed of thanks on this occasion.
and ethical electoral participation from all categories
of voters, with special focus on PwDs. The initiatives Hon’ble President of India conferred the National
integrate technology and media including social media Awards for the Best Electoral Practices to officers
for efficiency and efficacy of connect with the voters down deputed in the election machinery. The President
to the polling station level in consonance with our motto congratulated District Election Officials for conducting
‘No voter to be left behind’. awareness campaigns successfully. These awards were
in recognition of outstanding efforts employed in the
CEC added that keeping in line with the theme area of Election Management, Voters Education and
Electoral Participation, Information Technology, Security group of 14-17 years, around 60 thousand ELCs are
Management and Innovation in Elections. The President planned to be set up with 36 thousand in Schools, around
lauded the use of e-platform for educating and reaching 16 thousand in Communities and 7 thousand in Colleges
out to voters. List of awardees is attached herewith. and Universities in the coming two months.
The NVD event also witnessed the felicitation of the NVD is celebrated all over the country right from the
National Champions of the National Election Quiz 2018. national level to the far and remote corners of our country
National Elections Quiz, the largest elections quiz in the down to each Polling Station location where new voters
world yet, had an astounding participation of 13.5 lakh were felicitated with a badge carrying the logo ‘Proud to
students of 9-12th standard from 38 thousand schools be a Voter- Ready to Vote’, administered the Pledge and
across the country. The Zonals and Finals were organised handed over their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs).
in collaboration with Rajya Sabha Television and This is a unique electoral participation exercise across
telecast its first episode on 25th January to mark NVD. the democracies of the world. This year 60 thousand
Subsequent weekly telecast shall be on Sunday prime ‘Millennium Voters’ were felicitated across the nation
time 9 am and repeat telecast on Saturdays. in functions similar to the event in New Delhi. These
Millennium Voters are young adults, who were born on
The President also inaugurated the first edition of VoICE 1 January 2000 and qualified as eligible voters on 1st
India – a biannual magazine which brings forth best January this year. Six such Millennium Voters from Delhi
practices, innovations and knowledge derived from were felicitated at the National function.
practical experience and success stories of the election
machinery that exists in every corner of India. The NVD It may be recalled that the Election Commission of India
function also officially marked the launch of Electoral was constituted on 25th January 1950. Thus 25th January
Literacy Clubs in the nation. With the aim of introducing every year is now observed as the National Voters Day.
electoral literacy in the future voters falling in the age

NATIONAL
DAY
2017
THEME Empowering Young and Future Voters
CEC Messsage/ National Press

Speech67 Awards68 Release73

Dr. Nasim Zaidi
CEC
Message
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the citizens of India on the 7th

National Voters’ Day. This day is dedicated to the Voter of India. Today, in
similar functions across the 7 lakh Polling Station locations, newly registered
voters are being handed over their Elector Photo Identity Card.
‘Empowering Young and Future Voters’ is the theme for this NVD and in
keeping with this theme we are also felicitating in this function our future
voters, those who fall in the age-group of 15-17 years.
We launched a unique programme this January called ‘Interactive School

Engagement’ under which each Electoral Registration Officer visited one
school and interacted with the students of Class 9 to 12, who are usually
in the age-group of 15-17 years. With this outreach the Commission has
taken a small but significant step towards inculcatin& ele~tora~ awareness
among these future voters of the country so as to make them responsible
citizens. The Commission is striving towards enhancing active engagement
and participation of Indian citizens in the electoral process so as to further
strengthen electoral democracy in India.
On this happy occasion, I would like to reiterate to the citizens of India,

the commitment of the Election Commission toward free, fair, peaceful,
participative and transparent elections. I once again convey my best wishes
to every citizen on the National Voters’ Day.
Jai Hind!
Empowering Young and Future Voters » 67

National
Awards

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: E K Majhi, CEO Kerala for
IT Initiatives

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Rajesh Lakhoni, CEO

Tamil Nadu for Election Management
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Sunil Gupta, CEO West AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Vijayendra, CEO Assam
Bengal for Electoral Roll Management for Security Management

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Dr V Candavelou, CEO ELECTION MANAGEMENT: Saumitra Mohan, DEO Burdwan, West
Puducherry for Voter Education & Electoral Participation Bengal
IT INITIATIVES: Gopi Swaminathan, Technical Advisor, NIC VOTER EDUCATION & ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION: K Veera
Puducherry Raghava, DEO Madurai, Tamil Nadu
VOTER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Delhi Metro Railway VOTER EDUCATION & ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION: Tanmay
Corporation Chakrabarty, DEO Purulia, West Bengal

VOTER EDUCATION & ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION: Keerthi Jalli, INNOVATIVE MEASURES: P Balakiran, DEO Kannur, Kerala
Deo Titabar, Assam
ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT: Mukesh Bansal, DEO IT INITIATIVES: P Mohan Gandhi, DEO Birbhum, West Bengal
Rajnandgaon, Chattisgarh
ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT: Dr K S Palanisamy, DEO IT INITIATIVES: Kailash Karthik N, DEO Rangia, Assam
Tiruchirrapalli, Tamil Nadu

SECURITY MANAGEMENT: A K Gawas, SSP Karaikal, Puducherry SECURITY MANAGEMENT: S N Singh, IG Assam
SECURITY MANAGEMENT: A Saravanan, SP Dindigul, Tamil Nadu INNOVATIVE MEASURES: Chandra Bhushan Kumar, CEO Delhi
SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Hari Sankar, SP Kannur, Kerala EXPENDITURE MONITORING: B R Balakrishnan, Principal Director
& Roy Jose, Addl Director, Income Tax, Tamil Nadu

NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON CONTRIBUTING TO ELECTION MANAGEMENT: IT Mission, Kerala
VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Thanthi TV, Tamil Nadu
CSO AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Shillong Public School

Press
Release

celebrates 7th National Voters’ Day
with theme ‘Empowering Young &
Future Voters’
H on’ble President of India, Shri Pranab

Mukherjee said that there has been
some talk about simultaneous elections
this huge exercise. He also congratulated
Indian voters for exercising their right
to vote and showing utmost maturity in
to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies doing so.
in political circles. If an initiative is taken
by Election Commission and political The President said the Election
parties arrive at a consensus, reform is Commission requires unflinching
possible. He said such a move can reduce support as they are trying to motivate
inconvenience in terms of expenditure young people in exercising their most
and management. The President said this fundamental democratic right of voting. It
while speaking at the 7th National Voters’ is essential that the Election Commission
Day Celebrations in New Delhi on 25th should be an independent and
January, 2017. competent institution. Over the years, the
Election Commission of India has proved
Pointing out that in the last General to be so and is appreciated all over the
Elections in 2014, over 66% of the total world.
electorate of 834 million voted, the
President congratulated the Election The President said he was confident
Commission on the successful conduct of the Election Commission can maintain


its existing standards and continues to improvise and recognized the honorary work being carried out by
evolve. The Election Commission has made a unique four professors from premier IITs and working with the
contribution to strengthening the bedrock of Indian Commission under the banner of Technical Evaluation
democracy. We can take legitimate pride in the fact that Committee, the CEC added.
we are the largest democracy in the world.
On the occasion, the President presented Election Photo
In his address, Dr Nasim Zaidi, the Chief Election Identity Cards (EPICs) to five new young voters and
Commissioner (CEC) said that the Election Commission felicitated six future voters. The President also conferred
will lay special focus on Future Voters under Systematic National Awards for Best electoral practices for the year
Voter Education Programme in the year 2017 and onward. 2016 to the twelve officers. In addition, the awards under
Dr Zaidi hoped that the first time and future voters will get the special category, Best State, National CSO award,
encouraged to be part of electoral process. In India, over National Award for Government Department & National
62 million persons fall in the age group of 15 to 17 years Media Award were also presented.
and have been coined as future voters. Every year, 20
million persons out of the future voters turn 18 to become Chief Election Commissioner released the book
first time voters, Dr Zaidi added. “Unfolding Indian Elections- Journey of living democracy”
and presented the first copy to the President. This book
Considering Future voters as a focus group, the CEC said has been brought out by the Election Commission of
that the Commission has launched a unique programme India and Publication Division, Ministry of Information &
this month called “Interactive School Engagement”. As Broadcasting.
on date 11,000 schools and 23 lakh student across the
country have been covered under this engagement.
Listing out several initiatives taken by the Commission

during 2016, Dr Zaidi said the Commission reignited the
public and political debate on the issue of long pending
electoral reforms by releasing in public domain, a
compendium of all pending reform proposals. First ever
global conference on voter education was organised
where New Delhi Declaration on voter education was
released and a Voter Information Communication and
Education Net or VOICE.Net was launched.
Dr Zaidi congratulated young and future voters, all

officers and other organizations who received national
awards for outstanding and successful management
and contribution to the elections in 2016. The CEC
also mentioned the special contribution of Shri S.K.
Mendiratta, Legal Advisor of ECI for rendering exceptional
services over 53 years. This year the Commission also

Election Commissioner Shri. A. K. Joti introduced the heads of 15 Election Management Bodies, international
National Awards which were presented for excellence in organisations and officers of ECI attended the National
various aspects of conduct of elections i.e. electoral roll level function.
management, IT initiatives, security management etc.
National Voters’ Day (NVD)
Election commissioner Shri. O.P. Rawat in his welcome 25th January, celebrated as the National Voters’ Day. This
address highlighted the significant efforts undertaken year marks the 7th NVD with theme “Empowering Young
by Election Commission of India since its inception for & Future Voters”. NVD aims at increasing enrolment of
further strengthening the democracy. voters, especially newly eligible young voter (18-19 years)
& ensure universal adult franchise for all. NVD is being
Deputy Election Commissioner Shri. Umesh Sinha gave celebrated since 2011 on 25th January, the foundation
the vote of thanks and once again wished all who were Day of Election Commission of India (25th January,1950)
present and across India, a very Happy National Voters’
day.
The Election Commissioners Shri A.K. Joti and Shri O.P.

Rawat, representatives of political parties, former CECs,

NATIONAL
DAY
2016
THEME Inclusive and Qualitative Participation

Curtain
Raiser
Election Commission of India hosts 6th

National Voters’ Day in New Delhi on
25th January 2016
E lection Commission of India is

celebrating 6th National Voters’
Day (NVD) across the country on 25th
President of India, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee.
Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Nasim

January. The theme for the 6th National zaidi will release the book titled, ‘Belief
Voters’ Day is ‘Inclusive and Qualitative in the Ballot’ and present the first copy to
Participation’. the President.
The National function of the NVD will be The Chief Guest will give away Awards for
held m New Delhi and presided over by Best Electoral Practices to Chief Electoral
Officers, District Electoral Officers, SPs,
Officers involved in election management.
Awards will also be given to Media
Houses and Civil Society Organisations
for best campaign in Voters’ Education
and Awareness.
This year a new Award has been

introduced to recognise the contribution
of Government department/ Agencies to
the efforts of ECI for enhancing electoral
participation. Six newly eligible electors
would be given their EPICs by President
of India.

25th January is also the foundation day of the After the completion of the NVD National function,
Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950. the Commission will inaugurate the construction of
The Commission’s objective through NVD is to increase India International Institute of Democracy and Election
enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible Management (IIIDEM) campus at sector-22 Dwarka, New
ones. The National Voters’ Day is also utilised to spread Delhi.
awareness among voters regarding effective participation
in the electoral process. National Voters’ Day celebrations Election Commission of India will be presenting a Tableau
will be organised in all polling station locations across with the theme ‘Inclusive and Qualitative Participation’ at
the country. State level function is organised by the Chief the Republic Day parade on 26th January at Rajpath, New
Electoral Officers of the State concerned. Delhi.
Inclusive and Qualitative Participation » 79

Dr. Nasim Zaidi
CEC
Message
Dear Citizens and Voters,
On this momentous occasion of the 6t\ National Voters’ Day, I congratulate all
citizens and voters of this nation. I would specially congratulate, and welcome
newly registered electors, who have just been enrolled as voters. In all forthcoming
elections, newly enrolled voters, will get an opportunity, to exercise, their right of
franchise for the first time.
Friends, this is a very proud day for all of us, since this was the day, when the Election
Commission of India was set up in 1950. Since then, the Commission has dedicated
itself, to the task of delivering, free, fair and credible elections to the Indian people. I
would thank all voters, for their greater participation in the last Lok Sabha elections
and State elections held after that. Our endeavour is, to make elections more voter-
centric, voter-friendly, participative, inclusive, transparent and festive.
The theme of the National Voters’ Day this year is,’·’lnclusive and Qualitative
Participation’, which focuses on registering all eligible citizens as voters and
encouraging them for optimum, informed and ethical participation. Our slogan is “No
voter to be left behind”.
As Chief Election Commissioner of India, I call upon all citizens of this country, to
strengthen democracy, by way of enrolment and increasing participation in forth
coming elections. Let us alf take a moment, to take pledge and reaffirm our faith in
ourselves, as voters and strengthen the nation and democracy.
I would once again extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to every
citizen of this nation on the National Voters’ Day, 2016.
Thank you very much. Jai Hind!

CEC
Speech
H onourable President of India, Shri

Pranab Mukherjee, My fellow
Commissioners, Shri Joti and Shri
our country became a Constitutional
Republic. NVD is dedicated to the
empowerment of every adult Indian voter.
Rawat, Leaders of Political Parties, NVD celebrations mark renewal of our
Distinguished Guests, Honourable commitment to this cause.
CECs, Commissioners from Ten EMBs,
Excellencys, Young voters of NCT Delhi, I am very happy to inform the gathering
Award Winners, Ladies and Gentlemen that, 1.8 Crores or 18 million new voters
have been registered in our electoral
I am privileged and Honored to stand rolls as on 1st January and ahead of NVD.
Dr. Nasim Zaidi
before this distinguished gathering on the With this addition, the total number of
occasion of the “Sixth National Voter” Day voters in the country has touched about
85 Crores or 850 million mark which is
We are privileged to have Honorable equal to population of some continents
President as the Chief Guest who has on stand alone basis or in combination.
always been supportive of various
initiatives of ECI to conduct free and fair Enrolment of 18 to 19 year age group
elections in the country and in particular has always been a matter of concern.
documentation of interesting facets of Commission is pleased to inform that
election since 1952 for current and future 50% of total voters of this age group have
generations. We are extremely thankful to now been enrolled which is a remarkable
you sir. progress compared with earlier 10 to 15 %
a few years ago.
Today is the founding day of ECI, a
precious institution, established on Ladies and Gentlemen, You will be
25th January 1950 just a day before happy to know that initially the idea of

NVD came from an ordinary voter named Captain Suvas Ladies and Gentlemen, the year of 2015 saw some
Chand in a meeting of Civil Society at Bhubaneswar in significant initiatives in line with Commission’s current and
2010.The then Commission gave that idea the shape of vibrant new vision.
NVD. Since then, NVD has been nurtured by successive
Commissions. Several new dimensions such as  A National Voters Service Portal was launched to
organization of Voters Festival ahead of NVD have been provide six voter - centric electronic services to voters.
added from this year. It is heartening to learn that NVD is The Portal receives 50,000 hit per day on an average
being emulated by many countries. Such is the power of during election and 1.75 lacs during election time.
an ordinary voter!  A national drive to purify and authenticate electoral
rolls was completed successfully.
NVD celebrations are taking place simultaneously in over  Commission introduced photographs of candidates on
7 Lacs locations in the country. Each of 1.8 Crores newly EVM to avoid the confusion of namesake candidates in
enrolled voter is taking the pledge, receives Photo I Card the minds of voters.
along with a booklet for the first time highlighting his or  A new symbol of None of the Above option or NOTA
her rights and obligations. It is an unparalleled operation has been introduced.
of its own kind anywhere in the world and we are very  Commission has recommended legislation on
proud of it. electronic postal ballot option for overseas electors.
 Construction of iconic building for India International
Today, Commission recognize the services of millions Institute of Democracy and Election Management
of polling personnel including police forces, men and (IIIDEM) commences today at the cost of Rs. 121 crores
women who have not only conducted elections in free to train millions of polling personnel.
and fair manner but also converted the process into
global gold standard overcoming formidable challenges The Commission congratulate young voters who have
thrown by both geography and demography of a become members of our most prestigious electoral
mammoth size. registry and all award winners for their outstanding
contributions in the election management.
Commission has great pleasure in documenting human
stories of voters and functionaries who have worked Sir, Commission has launch two themes in the year 2016
behind the scene and are our unsung heroes. Inspiration First “Inclusive and qualitative participation” and Second
of this documentation has come from Honourable “No voter to be left behind”
President and many more such documentations are in
the pipeline. And we will continue to strengthen electoral democracy
with fresh resolve on the occasion of NVD.
On the occasion of NVD, citizens of this country and all
political parties deserve our special gratitude for reposing With these words, I thank you for patient hearing
total trust and confidence in the Commission. We in the
Commission have always strived hard to enhance this Jai Hind!
confidence by our sheer neutrality, fairness, transparency
and professionalism in election management.

President
Address
T he President of India, Shri Pranab

Mukherjee attended the 6th National
Voters’ Day Celebrations today (January
the first Republic Day. It is a significant
metaphor indicating that we received the
Indian Republic with the mandate of the
25, 2016) in New Delhi. people.
Speaking on the occasion, the President The President said that elections are
said the National Voters’ Day signifies a a festival of democracy. They are
mutual obligation. It is indeed the duty not merely a gigantic administrative
of the Election Commission of India exercise. He was happy that the Election
to ensure that all eligible voters are Commission is using innovative ways to
Shri Pranab Mukherjee
included on the rolls. It is an onerous reach out to the people, particularly our
and continuous task. But it is equally youth. Though the rise of Social Media
the responsibility of citizens to enroll and internet has raised awareness in our
themselves as voters. Voter’s participation youth, but we still have to pay special
in the electoral process is integral to the attention to those outside the ambit of
successful running of any democracy. these digital opportunities. Article 326 of
The level of voters’ participation reflects the Constitution had fixed the minimum
the people’s level of confidence and trust qualifying age of voting at 21 years. But,
in democracy. there were persistent demands that the
voting age should be lower. Finally, the
The President said that today is also Constitution (Sixty-First) Amendment Act,
the 67th foundation day of the Election lowered the minimum qualifying age to
Commission of India. This constitutional 18 years. In the 10th General Elections
body came into existence on January 25, to Lok Sabha in November, 1989, an
1950 just a day before the celebration of estimated 35.7 million voters between the

malpractices are not checked. It is commendable that

the Election Commission has taken up initiatives to
promote ethical and informed voting. To expand its reach
and facilitate eligible voters the Election Commission
launched National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) which
provides a host of services like online registration,
searching names on voter lists, locating polling stations
and other related assistance.
The President said that India is today the world’s largest

functional democracy. When a newly independent India
made Universal Adult Suffrage the basis of elections
not all were convinced of our capability to implement it.
However, the successful manner in which the very first
elections were conducted put these speculations to rest.
Since then, over the years, the Election Commission has
been conducting elections successfully and improving
age group of 18 to 21 years participated and exercised on deficiencies to increase participation in elections.
their electoral right. And, ahead of the 16thGeneral He congratulated the Election Commission for making
Elections in 2014, there were 23.16 million voters innovative changes. He also applauded the Commission
between the age group 18 to 19 years alone. In fact, they for it’s new initiative of celebrating the voter with “Matdata
constituted 2.8 percent of the national electorate. Mahotsav” which was held recently in New Delhi ahead
of the National Voters’ Day. He concluded by saying that
The President said that the Systematic Voters’ Education he was happy to recognize not only those higher up in
and Electoral Participation - SVEEP, was borne out of IEC the election machinery but also those who worked on the
initiatives taken up by ECI after the Lok Sabha elections ground level for their contribution to cause of electoral
in 2009. He said that he was happy to note that today, the participation. He also congratulated the newly enrolled
Voter Education programme of the Commission is spread electors to whom he gave away Elector Photo Identity
out across the polling stations with an attempt to reach Cards. He expressed confidence that they would exercise
each and every citizen of the country, keeping in mind their rights with great care, without fear or favour.
that those who are not yet eligible to be electors, are the
prospective electors. On the occasion, the President also received the first
copy of the book ‘Belief in the Ballot’. This book is brought
The President said that the abuse of money and muscle out by the Election Commission of India and published
power to influence voters remains a cause of concern. by Publications Division, Ministry of Information and
The spirit of democracy will be subverted if these Broadcasting.

National
Awards

2015 While State Awards are presented in the NVD
BEST STATE AWARD: Bihar for Management of Elections &

innovative IT use
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’ BEST STATE AWARD: Delhi for Initiatives for PwDs & Electoral Roll
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Gujrat Education Department Management

BEST STATE AWARD: Tamil Nadu for Technological Innovations SVEEP: Sh. Lokesh Kumar Singh, DEO West Champaran, Bihar
INNOVATION: Sh. Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal, DEO, Gaya, Bihar ELECTORAL ROLL MANAGEMENT: Smt. Antara Acharaya DEO,
(Purbo Medinipur)
SVEEP: Shri Aboobacker Siddique (DEO), (West SinghBhum), SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Manu Maharaj, SSP, Gaya, Bihar
Jharkhand

SPECIAL AWARDS - INNOVATION: Sh. Balamurugan, DEO Purnea, SPECIAL AWARDS - SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Sh. Sharat Kumar
Bihar Sinha, DCP, Delhi
SPECIAL AWARDS - SVEEP: Sh. Shekhar Channe, DEO, Mumbai, NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN
Suburban ON VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Hindustan- Bihar
edition
SPECIAL AWARDS - SVEEP: Sh. Shirish Mohod, (SVEEP Nodal CSO AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’
Officer), Maharastra EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Young Mizo Association

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’ AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Jeevika, Bihar EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Department of Posts, Delhi

Press
Release
“National Voters’ Day Reaffirms

Power of People”
-Shri Pranab Mukherjee
6th National Voters’ Day Celebrated
P resident of India, Shri Pranab

Mukherjee said that National Voters
Day re-affirms the power of the people
that National Voters Day is dedicated
to the power of the people. He added
that enthusiastic participation of people
to determine their own destiny by in the electoral process is the key to
exercising the freedom to elect their own healthy democracy. Dr. Zaidi stated that
representatives. Congratulating Election Commission has always strived hard
Commission of India for successfully to achieve the very best of election
celebrating NVD since its inception, management.
here today, Shri Mukherjee said that
the commission has done outstanding Shri Pranab Mukherjee gave away
work in spreading awareness about the Awards for Best Electoral Practices
importance of vote in democratic set-up to Chief Electoral Officers, District
in far reaching corners of the country. Electoral Officers, SPs, Officers involved
in election management. Awards were
Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Nasim also given to Media Houses and Civil
Zaidi released the book titled, ‘Belief in Society Organisations for best campaign
the Ballot’ and presented the first copy in Voters’ Education and Awareness.
to the President at the event. Speaking Award for Excellence was received by
on the occasion, Dr. Nasim Zaidi said State of Bihar for a series of innovative

measures for voter awareness, purification of rolls, representatives of various countries have participated in
security management, and efficient use of technology the event.
for grievance redressal and voter facilitation resulting in
increased turnout during State Assembly Election 2015. 25th January is also the foundation day of the
Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950.
This year a new Award has been introduced to recognise The Commission’s objective through NVD is to increase
the contribution of Government department/ Agencies enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible
to the efforts of ECI for enhancing electoral participation. ones. The National Voters’ Day is also utilised to spread
Six newly eligible electors would be given their EPICs by awareness among voters regarding effective participation
President of India. The theme for the 6th National Voters’ in the electoral process. National Voters’ Day celebrations
Day is ‘Inclusive and Qualitative Participation’. will be organised in all polling station locations across
the country. State level function is organised by the Chief
After the completion of the NVD National function, Electoral Officers of the State concerned.
the Commission inaugurated the construction of India
International Institute of Democracy and Election Election Commission of India will be presenting a Tableau
Management (IIIDEM) campus at sector-22Dwarka, New with the theme ‘Inclusive and Qualitative Participation’ at
Delhi. Election Commissioners Shri Om Prakash Rawat, the Republic Day parade on 26th January at Rajpath, New
Shri Achal Kumar Jyoti and several other dignitaries and Delhi.

Inauguration of construction of IIIDEM

New Campus at Dwarka
D r. Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election

Commissioner of India, Shri A.K. Joti
Election Commissioner & Shri O.P. Rawat
Afghanistan, Mr. Tom Rogers Election
Commissioner Australian Electoral
Commission, Australia, Mr. Kazi Rakibuddin
Election Commissioner today inaugurated Ahmad Chief Election Commissioner,
the construction for new campus of India Bangladesh, Mr. Dasho Ugyen Chewang
International Institute of Democracy and Election Commissioner, Bhutan Election
Election Management (IIIDEM) at Dwarka, Commissioner, Bhutan, Datuk Dr. P.
New Delhi. The new campus of IIIDEM is Manogran Commissioner Election
being constructed on a plot of Five acres Commission of Malaysia, Dr. Ayodhee
(approx. 20,000 sq. mts). The project Prasad Yadav Chief Election Commissioner,
envisages construction of a State of the Art Nepal, Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya Chief
Campus with green-building compliance Election Commissioner, Sri Lanka &
with 4-star GRIHA rating. Indo-Swiss BEEP Representatives from EMB of Pakistan were
team has provided the technical know-how also present on the occasion.
for making the campus energy efficient and
environment friendly. Total built up area of The new campus comprises of three main
the campus is 26,500 sq. mts. blocks.
Institutional Block – Equipped with state-
Mr. Ahmad Yousuf Nouristani Chairman, of-art training rooms (50 to 150 capacity),
Independent Election Commission, conference Halls, library, IT server room,

election museum, publication centre, record room, Government of India and other dignitaries.
computer labs and office space;
IIIDEM has six centres of excellence namely – Centre
Hostel Block – Comprises 100 rooms (single seated for Training and Capacity Development, Centre for
rooms and suites)along with common facilities like dining International Cooperation and Capacity Building, Centre
hall, gymnasium etc. for IT & E-Learning, Centre for Voter Education, Centre
for Innovation, Research & Documentation & Centre for
Auditorium – state of the art auditorium with a capacity of Electoral Laws. Standard training modules for national &
450 seats international participants are developed by a renowned
team of Indian and International experts.
Dr. Nasim Zaidi emphasized the importance of creating
awareness and spreading knowledge in the field of Training courses of IIIDEM are being conducted in the
voter education and election management for fighting interim premises of this Institute at Election Commission
the malaise in the electoral system. He appreciated of India. IIIDEM, since its launch in June 2011 has hosted
the efforts of all the team members from the CPWD, 141 courses for about more than 3800 election officials
Architect & IIIDEM for finalizing the plans and design and other stakeholders in all aspects of Election
of the campus. Sh. A.K. Joti & Shri O.P. Rawat, Election management.
Commissioners appreciated the role played by IIIDEM in
providing uniform and systematic training to the election Besides the national training programmes, IIIDEM
machinery spread throughout the length and breadth of has also conducted 23 international programs for 68
the country. Head of Election Management Bodies from countries from around the world. These include courses
South Asian countries, Australia & Malaysia present on for SAARC, Commonwealth, ITEC partner countries
the occasion, extended whole-hearted support to the besides bi-lateral programs, consultation workshops and
new Institute and desired to avail the facilities. Former confefences. Over the 4 years of its existence, IIIDEM
Chief Election Commissioners Shri B.B. Tandon, Shri Navin has become a hub for national and international training
B. Chawla, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi and Shri H.S. Brahma were courses, seminars and workshops.
also present besides senior officials of the Commission,

NATIONAL
DAY
2015
THEME Easy Registration, Easy Correction
Curtain CEC Messsage/ Former President National

Raiser95 Speech96 Address100 Awards107

Curtain
Raiser
Election Commission of India hosts the

5th National Voters’ Day in New Delhi on
25th January 2015
E lection Commission of India is

celebrating 5th National Voters’
Day across the country. The theme for
25th January is also the foundation day of
the Commission, which came into being
on this day in 1950. The Commission’s
the 5th NVD is ‘Easy Registration, Easy objective through NVD is to increase
Correction’. enrolment of voters, especially of the
newly eligible ones. The National Voters’
The National Function will be held at Day is also utilized to spread awareness
Weight Lifting Auditorium, Jawahar Lal among voters regarding effective
Nehru Stadium, New Delhi and presided participation in the electoral process.
over by Hon’ble former President of
India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The Chief
Guest will give away Awards for the Best
Electoral Practices to Chief Electoral
Officers and District Election Officers.
Awards will also be given to Media
Houses and Civil Society Organizations
for best campaign in Voters’ Education
and Awareness.
Easy Registration, Easy Correction » 95

Shri H S Brahma
CEC
Message
On the occasion of our 5th National Voters’ Day, indeed it gives me great pleasure to
congratulate all citizens, specially the newly enrolled voters, on the auspicious occasion
of s” National Voters’ Day. The National Voters’ Day is dedicated to the Constitutional
Rights of adult suffrage granted to every Indian citizen, irrespective of religion, race, caste,
community, language, region or socio-economic considerations.
First and foremost, I take this opportunity to thank all the citizens who made the Lok
Sabha Elections 2014 the biggest ever participatory exercise in the world with more than
55 crore of you turning up at the polling station to exercise your valuable franchise. The
women of India deserve a special mention, with a record breaking participation of more
than 26 crore Indian women voters of the country who cast their vote in these elections.
Citizen’s participation in democratic elections starts with the registration and gets
completed with voting on the polling day. Through consistent efforts, we have achieved an
electoral roll of around 84 crore voters following the recently concluded Roll Revision.
In our pursuit of not just greater participation but complete participation, we strive to
guarantee registration of all eligible persons and facilitate voting by all who are enrolled.
The theme for the year 2015 is Easy Registration, Easy Correction. Thus the entire
process of registration and correction of the details on the roll shall be made easier for the
citizens. I, on behalf of the Election Commission of India, urge/appeal every citizen of this
country on this day to rise to this shared responsibility. The Pledge that we all would be
taking today is a reaffirmation of our faith in ourselves, our country and our democracy.
I once again convey my best wishes to every Indian citizen on this happy occasion of
National Voters’ Day and appeal everyone to make it a great success by becoming an
integral part of the democratic electoral process. Let us make our country Great.
Jai Hind!

CEC
Speech
H on’ble Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, former

President of India, my colleague,
Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi, leaders
pursuit of not just greater participation
but complete participation, we strive
to guarantee registration of all eligible
of Political Parties, Excellencies, persons and facilitate voting by all who
distinguished guests, Young Electors are enrolled. In addition our endeavor
of Delhi, Award Winners, Ladies and remains to build informed and ethical
Gentlemen! I, on behalf of the Election voting for a strengthened democracy.
Commission of India welcome you all
to the celebrations of the fifth National Today we have an electorate of about
Voters’ Day. It marks the founding day of 84.41 crores. Around 3.92 crores out of
Shri H S Brahma
the Election Commission of India 65 years these are the newly eligible voters of
ago, dedicated to the task of delivering the 18-19 year age group. We aspire to
free, fair and transparent elections to the bridge the gap in enrolment, especially
people of India. of the newly eligible voters and excluded
groups through our annual revision of
Holding regular, free and fair elections Electoral Roll. Easy Registration, Easy
is a sign of healthy democracy. We have Correction, is the theme for NVD and the
successfully conducted 16 General year 2015. With this aim, building of an
elections to the Lok Sabha and nearly inclusive, error-free and duplicate free roll
350 General elections to the Legislative will be our focus this year. I, on behalf of
Assemblies of States. We have the Delhi the Commission, urge the citizens of this
Elections, just round the corner. Our country on this day to rise to this shared
efforts are directed towards ensuring responsibility. However, every effort
timely and peaceful conduct of elections should be made by our team to ensure
and encouraging free and fearless voting the purity of the electoral roll – that there
by the people of this country. In our are no duplicate entries on the roll, and

dead and shifted names are deleted. and UTs recorded a higher turnout than in the previous
Lok Sabha elections in 2009.
This mammoth task of safeguarding the most
fundamental of all rights to the people of our country, The pioneering initiatives under our SVEEP programme
has been accomplished only through the commendable for enhanced voter education and electoral participation
hardwork and praiseworthy coordinated efforts of the have stimulated an inspired movement for participation in
election machinery- from the Chief Electoral Officers in the electoral process across the country.
the States to the Booth Level Officers reaching out to
every individual. I congratulate all our staff and officers on successful
management of one of the most significant democratic
With this cumulative and continuous work, we have exercises in the world, some of them are here today
come a far away. The General Elections to the Lok amongst us to receive the National Awards. I congratulate
Sabha in 2014 were lauded globally for its massive them on behalf of the entire Commission.
scale. The highest ever turnout of 66.44 per cent was
recorded for an electorate of 834 million. It gives me My congratulations to the young voters here who will
immense pleasure to inform you that 16 States and Union receive their EPICs today, they stand representative of
Territories recorded a higher women turnout than that of numerous young people who secure this right to choose
men, and among these women surpassed men for the their leadership today. I have faith that your responsible
first time ever in Lok Sabha elections in nine States and and aware commitment towards this democracy will be
Union Territories. It is also worth mentioning that 33 States an inspiration for others around you.

The movement for enhanced and enlightened voters’ opportunities and occasions of coming together for
participation which reflected in the highest ever turnout greater synergy and participation.
could not have been a reality without the valuable
support from the Union and State Governments, Last but not the least, I would like to thank the BLOs,
Educational Institutions, Civil Society Organisations, the Electoral Registration Officer, District Election Officers,
Corporate sector and the Media. The Commission holds Chief Electoral Officers of States and Union Territories,
precious the continuous support from the Ministry of all colleagues and staff of the Election Commission,
Information and Broadcasting, particularly from the All especially officers of the SVEEP Division, the whole
India Radio and Doordarshan. I would also like to mention election machinery and all stakeholders for making the
the unfaltering support of UNDP in our endeavours for National Voters’ Day a success.
voters’ participation and sharing of best practices with
the Election Management Bodies across the globe. And
as Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of
its parts”, I thank all our partners in this enormous task
of reinforcing and nourishing the Indian democracy,
including the voters who lend the real meaning to
the electoral system. We look forward to more such

Former President
Address
Great leaders are the motivators. as the largest democracy in the world
Voters inspire them. by giving leadership to one billion plus
people with Cultural, Religious and
I am delighted to participate in this

National Voters’ Day programme
organized by Election Commission of
lingual diversities.
In order to encourage younger voters

India which coincides with the foundation to take part in the political process,
day of the Election Commission. My Government of India has decided to
greetings to all of you. observe as the National Voters’ Day (NVD)
on 25th January. It is also the day when
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Friends, as you are all aware, India the the founding fathers of Indian Constitution
largest democracy in the world is the gave to their people ‘the Election
seventh largest (by area) and the second Commission of India’, with the mandate of
most populous country in the world, with conducting, directing and controling the
roughly one-sixth of its population, of elections. Election Commission started
about a billion and a quarter. India is one observing its foundation day from 25
of the world’s oldest civilizations, yet a January 2011.
very young nation with more than 50% of
the population under the age of 35 years. Through the National Voters’ Day, we
have been able to create awareness to
The world’s largest democracy register in electoral rolls for the newly
by electorate was created after eligible voters. It is equally important that
independence in 1947 under the the newly register voters are imparted
leadership of its nationalist movement, knowledge about the importance of their
and has traveled for over six decades newly acquired power to select the right
leaders. Friends, when I am here with you today, I would vote in my home place Rameshwaram. Even today,
like to share few thoughts about the Responsible Voting he takes voting very seriously, and calls me and other
is key to a Developed Nation close relatives and friends, to discuss what factors he
is considering in selecting the candidate – as he wants
In 2014, when the nation held general elections for the to be sure that his vote only goes to the best candidate
16th Lok Sabha in nine phases creating a landmark of the after all due thought and consultation. After the voting, he
longest and the largest election in the nation’s history. again calls me up, in a happy voice, content that he did
his best to choose the best of candidates.
Around 815 million people were eligible to cast their vote
to the 8,251 candidates contesting for 543 seats across Friends, India is a nation which is considered to be
the nation. There was an increase of 100 million voters youngest in its demographics. We have about 550 million
as compared to the 2009 general election thus making youth in the nation and about 200 million are registered
it the largest-ever election in the history of Mankind with electorates. In the future, the number of youth voters
an average turnout of 66.38 %. I have a dream, the dream and their relative share will only grow progressively. In
is, can it the voter turn over be a future general election this scenario, it is paramount for the efficiency of the
minimum 90%. How to achieve it? Technology and democracy to ensure that these youth are an integral and
leadership will drive it. In these elections, there was one vibrant part of the democratic participation and voting.
particular who caught everyone’s attention – especially
on the internet media. It was the 97 year old voter, Shri How do we motivate the youth to be partners in the
Shyam Sharan Negi, from Kalpa (Kinnaur) village in democratic elections? How do we motivate others who
Himachal Pradesh, who was the first voter of Independent don’t vote normally due to various other reasons? How
India in 1951 and voted in this election also. do we ensure that people think deep and apply all the
criteria before choosing to cast their vote – putting the
Residents of Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh) were the first to nation above?
vote in India’s first general election held in 1951. Elections
to these regions were advanced by a six months to avoid Friends, I have so far met 19.5 million youth of the nation
heavy snowfall these areas receive in freezing winters. in about two decade’s time. One message, I have got
During the elections, the ballot boxes had to be deployed from them which I want to share with all of you. The
transported on mules given the rugged terrain where the message is, that the youth want to live in an economically
booth were set up at a height close to 10,000 feet above developed state and thereby a developed and peaceful
mean sea level. The first polling booth was set up inside nation. I am conveying their aspirations to the political
a primary school building in the village under the Kalpa leaders of various parties, “we, the youth, have decided
assembly constituency, presently known as Kinnaur to elect Members of the Parliament and Members of State
Vidhan Sabha constituency . Legislatures, only if they have proved to have contributed
to the economic development of the constituency, state
It also reminds me of my own elder brother, who is now and the nation in their previous tenure. For the new entrants
98 years old – and has voted in almost every single to politics, they should possess a track record of selfless,
election he had the opportunity and responsibility to committed and honest service to the locality where they

reside or they work”. Youth want to see elected members and youth must see clean politics as a viable career for
as their role models in performance in the Parliament or serving people. I am sure, election commission can play
State Assembly, and also in their way of leading the life an important role in bringing this message to action.
with integrity and succeeding with integrity.
I visualize an election scenario, where a candidate files
The youth, definitely, expect the elected representatives his nomination from a particular constituency online.
to ensure that the performance of the Parliament and Immediately the election officer verifies his or her
State Assemblies are never disturbed or halted and youth authenticity from the Unique Identification Number
consider this action of non-performance as a crime and a database containing biometric and other data through
wasteful process. The citizens expect that availability time multifactor authentication.
in the Houses is fully utilized for drawing up vision for the
nation, making laws and discussing and finding solutions The education credentials of the candidate come from
to our national and regional problems. Above all the youth the school and university records. Candidate’s track
of the nation, desire their representatives to follow the record of employment comes from various employers
mission of developmental politics. with whom the candidate had worked. His or her income
and wealth resources come from the income-tax
Now I would like to discuss what I have presented in the department, and other sources. Candidate’s property
Parliament during the award ceremony to outstanding record comes from the registration of land authority
parliamentarians, on 21 March 2005 on the topic Political across the country. Candidate’s credit history comes from
Politics and Development Politics and stressed how various credit institutions like banks. Candidate’s civic
important it is for the members of the Parliament to consciousness and citizenship behaviour comes from the
work 70% of their time, on developmental politics, that is, police crime record. Candidate’s legal track records come
economic development of their constituencies. from the judicial system.
When I saw the members of the largest democracy, I All the details arrive at the computer terminal of the
shared a thought on Political Politics and Developmental election officer within few seconds automatically by the
Politics. As you are all aware, in politics there are two act of e-Governance software agents which flows across
dimensions, the first one is political politics and the other the various state and central government web services
is developmental politics. Political politics was essential directories through the network GRID and collects the
during the time of independence movement. Today, what information automatically and presents the facts in real-
is needed for India? With its 340 million people living time without any bias. Artificial intelligence software
below poverty line and the illiteracy rate is in the order of analyses the credentials of the candidate and gives a
60%, the employment seekers of more than 30 million, rating on how successful he or she will be as a creative
our mission is to lift the millions of people who are below politician. Election officer sitting at the remote block of
poverty line and to provide graceful and empowered life the country decides on the spot and the election process
with full employment potential. That indeed necessitates starts. All the voters vote from their home through virtual
the developmental politics. polling booths. If we consider the breakthroughs and
expansion in telecommunication and internet in the last
There is a need to remove the correlation between decade, this visualization is no longer a dream and is
wealth and politics, uncertainty in the political system possible to be achieved by our democratic country.
This technology interface will not only save costs but he or she can be checked immediately with the Aadhar
also enable a larger participation with the confidence of ID/NPR ID/Voter ID, that whether that person has already
safety, secrecy and transparency. Availability of system exercised their franchise or not through mobile. Since the
such as emails, IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) government is thinking of free wi-fi in 2,500 cities, and
based platforms or SMS (short messaging service and the services is going to begin in the 2015-16. This Mobile
MMS (Multi Media Service) and 3G will facilitate faster App based voting can be tried in these 2500 cities as a
implementation of my visualization. pilot phase. Certainly, the 30% of the voters who are not
willing to come and votes are the high fi people, they can
Election Commission should develop a Mobile Election be attracted to vote through this mobile app. This Mobile
Voting system on Cloud and have an access to secured election Vote on Cloud will attract the youth and busy
mobile phone Application on android, windows and IoS people to vote from their home or on the move, without
platform. Individual voters who can register with their disturbing their daily schedule.
voter ID along with Aadhar ID or NPR ID, can be allowed
to vote through mobile to a particular constituency. The Once mobile voting is done, it reflects used by all voters
entire Mobile Election Vote APP can be brought under the – to access this information. There are 933 million mobile
PKI Infrastructure with secured digital signature and voter phone subscriptions in the nation, and out of this 25%
is mapped into his constituency and the candidates and are user of smart phones with data connectivity. We
their symbols are made available for voting. Each election can harness this outreach to enable people to access
booth, should have an access to Election Voting system information about their candidate using mobile devices.
on Cloud, so that when a voter comes with the voter ID, These apps should help them compare two candidates,

seek critical data and even raise questions to the resulted in proliferation of parties based on caste,
candidates – which can be linked to publicly available creed, language etc., and multiplicity of candidates by
social media – such as twitter and facebook. which even a person with 15 percent to 20 percent of
votes polled can get elected. This results in a distorted
I was delighted to know that now even the Non Resident democracy as a person with 20 percent of votes is
Indians will soon be able to cast their vote from abroad, expected to represent the whole constituency. There
without having the trouble to fly back to their hometown are many alternatives like proportional representation, the
during elections. The Supreme Court has approved List system with preferential voting worth considering.
e-ballot voting for Indian passport holders staying abroad.
b. A new law needs to be enacted for regulating political
In e-ballot voting, a blank postal ballot paper is emailed parties providing therein regulatory measures in respect
to the voter, who has to then fill it and mail it by post to of the formation, functions, internal democracy by
their constituency. Allowing NRIs to vote abroad is likely rotation of posts, b. transparency in financial matters,
to make an impact in states like Kerala, which has 40 lakh dissolution and disputes within the party.
people abroad and votes next year for a new government.
There is very little risk of manipulation, rigging or violation c. The criminals charged by courts of law with heinous
of secrecy in this system, the commission has reportedly offences should be disqualified from contesting during
said. It had also suggested that NRIs should be allowed the pendency of the case in the court until acquittal.
to vote. Technology has henceforth empowered a large
number of voters across the globe to cast their votes. d. The model code of conduct should be given a
statutory shape provided the enforcement/punishing
I hope that soon this Technology would be easily power such as monetary penalty or disqualification of
accessible to every citizen of the nation and elderly like candidates/voters is with the Election Commission.
Shyam Sundar Negi need not travel long distances to
cast their votes. e. Need to do away with by-election after three years
tenure of the House by giving out an option either to the
Recently I have written a book called “Manifesto for party to nominate another party representative or declare
Change”, in that book Chapter IV focuses on “Individuals the person who was rank No.2 in the votes polled at the
at the Government Level”, the last part of the chapter election as the interim representative and ensuring that
focusses on Election reforms. I would like to share election petitions are disposed of within a period of one
the suggestions which we made after research and year from the date of filing of the petition.
interaction with various walks of life regarding elections
and voting. f. The alternative of Proportional Representation (PR)
system is not atotal solutions. It has its advantage in so far
The Election Commission need to be empowered to as it gives the loser parties also to have representatives
implement the measures to reduce the election related (as against the winner take-all FPTP system) who will
expenditure. provide a voice to the other voters (those who voted for
the losing side). But this will work well only if the number
a. Firstly, the existing First-Past-The-Post system of parties are small. In the current scenario in our country
(FPTP system) of voting needs to be changed as it has where there are as many as 50-60 ‘serious’ parties and
another 100 or so parties involving themselves in the h. Reduce the number of days for canvassing into 7 to 10
electoral arena (at the last count the number of registered days from the date of declaration of the candidates who
political parties was over 1250, but barring the f. 150 odd, are contesting by the election commission
rest are non-serious), PR system may, if not formulated
tightly, lead to unwieldy coalitions making governance i. Electronic media, Newspaper, FM radio, mobile
impossible and thus may prove to be a solution that is phones and local TV channels may be used for election
worse than the disease. campaign effectively by scheduling with the subsidized
rates prescribed by the government.
g. In PR system, Party is the focus. While there can
be doubts about parties selecting the right kind of j. Candidates can issue paper pamphlets to the individual
candidates the risks/uncertainties are not bigger than homes about their manifesto for the constituency and
the case today where parties select dubious candidates state.
on ‘winnability’ criteria but in PR system it is the party?s
performance and image that is primary and the people k. Each village Panchayat board with the local
have the choice to vote for those candidates of the party government should arrange a platform for the political
who are perceived to be better. Since the list will not be a parties to come and seek votes in a common place or
surprise and is known to the voters, the chances that right they can use mobile vans and jeeps for meeting the
candidates will not be selected will just as much as in the people and conveys their action plan for the constituency.
FPTP system.

l. Booth slips should be distributed only by the connect the polling stations through the robust and
government agencies. No door to door canvas by the secured ICT system like the EVM to avoid duplicate
political parties to influence the voters by cash or other voting. Since we follow postal voting system, certainly we
forms of influence. can adopt this on-line voting system which is accessible
only once for a voter if successfully voted.
m. No parties should set up booth tent nearby the
election polling station for around 200m radius to reduce r. Ultimately introducing the right type of election system
the booth expenditure by the candidates. such as Proportional representation system in the
elections or any other appropriate system suiting to our
n. In case of an unfortunate death of an elected MLA’s Indian conditions with full state funding of elections and a
and MP’s the holding party should be able to nominate system helps to represent at least more than 80% of the
their own eligible candidate, to minimize the wasteful people in the constituency.
expenditure by the government as well as the parties.
Friends, I am sure when I am here with all of you, let share
o. Bringing synchronous elections to the Panchayat Raj, with a visionary saying of Maharishi Patanjali propounded
State Legislative Assembly and Parliament Elections in Yoga Sutra before 2200 years.
should be the ultimate aim to reduce the multiple
expenditure all through the year. “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some
extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds.
p. Making the UIDAI or National ID with the robust system Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness
established as mandatory for voting in the election and expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new,
ban the expenditure towards state election commission great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties
and central election commission to duplicate the work and talents come alive, and you discover yourself to be a
done already and again to digitize the election voters ID. greater person by far than you ever dreamt yourself to be.”
They can only take the voters list by adding and removing
the voters list and publish in the website. Allow online I once again wish all of you on the occasion on the
voters id registration and make it UIDAI/National ID National Voter’s Day. My best wishes to all for ensuring a
mandatory for all the registrations, addition or deletion. smooth, fair and well participated elections in the times
ahead which will give us the best of leadership.
q. Create a secured online voting portal. Mobile app
for voting under the E-voting Cloud system which can May God bless you.
National
Awards

Agency/PSU/CSO and media in the year 2014 While
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Madhya Pradesh
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Jammu & Kashmir AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Sikkim

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE TO STATES: Andhra Pradesh EXPENDITURE MONITORING AND TACKLING MONEY POWER:
Shri C.V. Anand, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, Andhra
Pradesh
SECURITY MANAGEMENT: Mohd. Suvez Haque, SP, Gadchiroli, USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Shri Vikram Kapur, DEO, Chennai,
Maharashtra Tamil Nadu
INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT: Ms. Smita Pandey, DEO, Uttar VOTER EDUCATION AND ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION: Dr. Shahid
Dinajpur, West Bengal Iqbal, DEO, Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir
MANAGEMENT OF ELECTORAL ROLLS: Shri Abhishek Prakash, SPECIAL AWARDS - VOTER EDUCATION AND ELECTORAL
DEO, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh PARTICIPATION: Dr. Vikrant Pandey, DEO, Valsad, Gujarat
INNOVATIVE AREA—INCLUSION OF WOMEN, DIFFERENTLY SPECIAL AWARDS - EXPENDITURE MONITORING: Shri Amrendra
ABLED AND SENIOR CITIZENS: Ms. Kinjal Singh, DEO, Sitapur, Kumar Tiwary, Director General of Income Tax (Investigation),
Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
SPECIAL AWARDS - USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Shri Anil Kumar, CEO, SPECIAL AWARDS - EXPENDITURE MONITORING: Shri Ashok
Chandigarh Terenia, Excise Commissioner, Cuttack, Odisha

 NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN

ON VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS (PRINT MEDIA
CATEGORY): Times of India Mumbai

ON VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS (ELECTRONIC
MEDIA CATEGORY): ETV Andhra Pradesh and ETV Telengana
regional news channel
 CSO AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON VOTERS’

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS:
National Service Scheme (for activities in Uttar Pradesh,

Odisha and Gujarat)
National Service Scheme (for activities in Uttar Pradesh,

SPECIAL AWARDS - Use of Technology: Ms. Sonal Giri, ADC,
Odisha and Gujarat)
Bhatinda, Punjab
National Election Watch (for the campaigns in Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Bihar)
Volunteer for Better India
Let’s Vote, Andhra Pradesh
Janagraha, Karnataka
Mahatma Gandhi International School, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
NATIONAL
DAY
2014
THEME Ethical Voting

Shri V S Sampath
CEC
Message
On the 4th National Voters’ Day, I congratulate all citizens who are
enrolled as voters and especially the newly enrolled voters. I extend my
best wishes to those who were enrolled after they became just eligible.
The National Voters’ day is dedicated to the constitutional right of adult
suffrage of the Indian citizen. On this occasion, I invite all those citizens
who are not yet enrolled to apply for registration at the earliest because
you can exercise your right to vote only if you are enrolled as a voter.
It is also the day when the founding fathers of Indian Constitution gave
to their people ‘the Election Commission of India’. The Commission is
dedicated to the task of delivering free, fair and credible elections to
the Indian people. But to make democracy meaningful, there has to be
maximum participation of the people in the electoral process.
We are now world’s largest electorate family. Our endeavor is to ensure

that everyone eligible is enrolled and all those enrolled should vote in
the elections voluntarily. Besides, the participation of citizens in elections
needs to be informed and ethical for a healthy democracy. The Pledge
that we all would be taking on this day is a reaffirmation of our faith in
ourselves, our country and democracy.
I once again convey my best wishes lo every citizen on the National

Voters’ Day.
Jai Hind!
Ethical Voting » 113

CEC
Speech
H on’ble President of India, Shri

Pranab Mukherjee, my colleague,
Commissioners, Sh. Brahma and Dr Zaidi,
Territories. We take all steps to make
sure that elections are held in time, these
are peaceful and that electors are able
Director General, leaders of Political to vote freely and fearlessly. However,
Parties, Commissioners and delegates democracy requires more than a
from Election Management Bodies from technically correct election. The essence
abroad, Excellencies, distinguished of representativeness lies in participation.
guests, Young Electors of Delhi, Award To make our democracy meaningful,
Winners, Ladies and Gentlemen! It is a there has to be maximum participation of
moment of great honour and pride today the people in the electoral process.
Shri V S Sampath
for the Election Commission of India that
we are gathered here to celebrate the Our endeavour is to ensure that everyone
National Voters’ Day, which was launched eligible is enrolled and all those enrolled
three years ago on 25th January, 2011. should vote in the elections, voluntarily.
Besides, the participation of citizens
Today is also the day when the founders in elections needs to be informed and
of Indian Constitution gave to their ethical for a healthy democracy.
people ‘the Election Commission of
India’, 64 years ago. The Commission is What we are witnessing here today
dedicated to the task of delivering free, is a part of the countrywide exercise
fair and credible elections to the Indian simultaneously taking place at 6.53 lakh
people. It has done so in mandated locations covering over 9 lakh Polling
regular intervals. Till date, we had 15 Station areas. It gives me great pleasure
General Elections to the Lok Sabha and to inform you that over 3.90 crore new
348 General Elections to Legislative electors have been enrolled in the
Assemblies of states and Union Electoral Rolls in the last few months.
Around 1.27 crore out of these are the newly eligible I expect all our officers and staff to rise to the challenge
voters of the 18-19 year age group. Through revision of of holding elections to the 16th Lok Sabha this year,
electoral roll on annual basis that culminates with the which will be the largest exercise in the world undertaken
National Voters’ Day, we specially seek to bridge the gap ever by an election management body. I am talking about
in the enrolment of the newly eligible electors. an electorate of over 81 crores in polling stations close to
9 lakh with several million polling personnel involved in
All this has been accomplished through the laudable election management.
efforts and sustained hard work of the election machinery
right from Chief Electoral officer in the state down to the I also congratulate the 6 young voters of Delhi,
Booth Level Officer and through the sustained nation- who will receive their EPICs today. I am sure you
wide SVEEP programme, which stands for ‘Systematic would act as informed and ethical voters at the first
Voters Education and Electoral Participation’. opportunity. Additionally, you must inspire your fraternity
to do the same.
We have launched vigorous and comprehensive
initiatives under our SVEEP programme, to disseminate We are honoured to have the President of India as the
necessary information, motivate voters and facilitate Chief Guest. I am sure that with his encouragement and
participation. In recent years, we at the Election support we would be further motivated to work towards
Commission are in a continuous and purposeful dialogue achieving our goal of universal enrolment and complete
with Indian citizens on electoral participation and participation of people in elections.
democratic processes.
The enormous strides by the Commission in voters’
Our efforts have started yielding results. We received participation in recent times would not have been
consistently higher turnout in the last twenty three possible without the significant support from Union
general elections in the states. There was historic turnout and State Governments, Educational Institutions, Civil
in the most recent Assembly Elections to the states Society Organizations, the Corporate sector and the
of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan Media. Contribution from Ministry of Information and
and Delhi. A greater achievement for us was that the Broadcasting and more particularly from AIR and
women turnout increased across all these states and the Doordarshan has been precious. I need to specially
women turnout was higher than men in Chhattisgarh and mention the collaboration from National Literacy Mission
Rajasthan for the first time ever in their history. Authority for including electoral literacy in the Sakshar
Bharat Programme. I would also like to mention the
Some of our finest officers are amongst us today to collaboration with UNDP in the field of voter education
receive the National Awards. They have contributed and participation.
hugely to Election Commission’s efforts in election
management and people’s participation. While some However, the Commission feels that a much higher
have innovated in the field of technology use in the level of contribution in the field of Voter education and
electoral process, others have innovated in the efficient awareness is due from the vibrant and resourceful
management of human resources, all to the cause of Corporate Sector of the country. I call upon them to
free, fair and participative elections. I congratulate them include this under Corporate Social Responsibility of
on behalf of the entire Commission. the Companies Act. We look forward to more synergy in

future in advancing greater participation of people in the

electoral process. Reinforcing Indian democracy through
the process of participative elections cannot be a task for
ECI alone. It has got to become a national mission.
Finally I would like to thank the Booth Level Officers,

Electoral Registration Officers, District Election Officers,
Chief Electoral Officers of States and UTs, all colleagues
and staff of the Election Commission, specially officers of
the SVEEP Division, the whole election machinery, and all
other stakeholders for making the National Voters’ Day a
success.
Jai Hind!
President
Address
Iam indeed happy and appreciative of

Chief Election Commissioner and his
colleagues for inviting me on the fourth
offices of President and Vice-President”.
It is, therefore, an organization that has
immense responsibilities and whose
National Voters’ Day to share some of my efficient functioning has a singular bearing
perceptions with this very distinguished on the quality of democracy in the country.
audience. Just 64 years ago, on this
very day, the founding fathers of our Ladies and Gentlemen:
Constitution gave our country this unique We all can be proud that India is the
organization to organize and supervise world’s largest functional democracy.
elections. With the independence that we gained
Shri Pranab Mukherjee
in 1947, we were able to successfully
I need to hardly emphasize the build a free democratic country. Since
importance of the Voters’ Day for the then, we have built on the democratic
nation. It re-affirms the power of the foundations. A large number of nations
people to determine their own destiny that gained freedom around the same
by exercising the freedom to elect their time also adopted democratic systems
own representatives. To ensure that of governance, but India is one of the
the Election Commission retains its very few nations that has been able
independence and status, the constitution to strengthen its democratic ethos. In
itself vide Article 324 gives it the powers comparison, unfortunately many nations
of “superintendence, direction and control degenerated into autocratic rule while
of the preparation of the electoral rolls India overcame many challenges and built
for, and the conduct of, all elections the democratic edifice that is in many
to Parliament and to the Legislature ways unparalleled.
of every State and of elections to the

thirty thousand polling stations is not an easy job. The

Election Commission of India deserves our appreciation
for delivering to the citizens of this country, a system
that ensures transparent, free and fair elections. Its role
in promoting democracy has been so efficient that it
has gained global recognition as a model worthy of
emulation. I compliment the Election Commission for this
laudable achievement.
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Enthusiastic participation of people in the electoral
process is the key to healthy democracy. The Voter is,
therefore, the central actor in any democratic election. I
am happy to note that the Election Commission of India
has taken initiatives to make the process of enrolment
easier and convenient, and the voting experience people-
Our representative bodies embody the hopes and friendly.
aspirations of the people while at the same time also
serving as a platform to echo their grievances. It is heartening to know that civil society organizations,
the corporate sector, educational institutions, the media
It is in these bodies that the people repose their faith and many others have joined the Election Commission in
to advance their common agenda of growth and social this shared goal. I am happy to see a growing excitement
advancement. While their responsiveness to public among the electorate to eagerly participate in elections.
needs is assessed by the people on a continual basis, The Election Commission has to not only sustain this
they are called to account through the medium of consciousness but also strengthen it further.
elections.
I have also been informed that the National Voters’
It is only by the conduct of free, fair and participative Day organized by the Election Commission is a part of
elections that our democracy has become in many ways, the ongoing effort to bring every eligible citizen on the
the most vibrant in the world. electoral roll. The focus of this drive is on the newly
eligible voters in the age group of 18-19 years. I am told
The role of the Election Commission in this success that during the last National Voters’ Day, around 2.82
has been simply outstanding. The challenges it has crore new voters were registered across the country, out
had to face have been daunting. The management of which 93 lakh were new voters. I am confident that
of an electorate of over 716 million in 2009, that is the numbers will be even higher this year. Once again, I
nearly the combined population of third, fourth and congratulate the Election Commission for undertaking
fifth largest nations in the world, and over eight lakh the massive exercise in the earnest attempts to ensure
that every eligible citizen is included in the electoral roll. bestowed the National Awards for best electoral
practices. I congratulate all of you for your invaluable
The efforts of the Commission have indeed borne good contribution in efficiently managing elections, improving
results. It is evident in the increase in the number of voter registration, enhancing voters’ participation,
voters from about 76 crore in 2012 to close to 79 crore educating and motivating voters, fighting black-
in 2013. Due to the concerted efforts, the National money and paid news during elections, and ensuring
Voters’ Day has captured the imagination of the country, a conducive environment for people to cast their vote.
especially the youth, in a short span of time. Always bear in mind that you and the lakhs of other
personnel engaged in elections management have the
I congratulate all the young voters of Delhi, who have most crucial pivotal role in reinforcing the grids of Indian
just received their Voter Identity Cards. I also compliment democracy.
the millions of other young voters across the country,
who have been similarly empowered today. Let me To conclude, I would like to once again call upon all
remind you that you now have the power to choose your eligible citizens to register as voters and vote with pride
representatives. Do exercise this power and do exercise it in every election. It is your fundamental right and please
responsibly. I hope all of you will use this opportunity and exercise it. Through increased participation, the electoral
exercise your franchise every time in the most informed process and democracy in India will continue to grow
and ethical manner, free of any inducement and going in strength and vibrancy. I once again compliment the
beyond narrow considerations. Election Commission of India for all its achievements and
wish them the very best for the coming years.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am glad to have the privilege to also recognize the Thank you.
outstanding officers from the field, who have been Jai Hind!

National
Awards
 BEST STATE AWARD: Karnataka
National Awards 2013-14  BEST STATE AWARD: Rajasthan
 FIRST AWARD - Best Electoral practices: Innovations in SVEEP:

Joga Ram, DEO, Kota, Rajasthan
 BEST STATE AWARD: Delhi
 BEST STATE AWARD: Tripura
 SECOND AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Inclusive and

Participative Electoral Process: Smt. Alarmelmangai D, DEO,
Kanker, Chhattisgarh
 SECOND AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Innovations

contribution by election machinery, Government in security and infrastructure management: R N Dash, SP,
department/Agency/PSU/CSO and media in the year Kanker, Chhattisgarh
2013. While State Awards are presented in the NVD  FIRST AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Innovation in
functions at State Headquarters, the National Awards are technology use and infrastructure management: Smt. M. V.
Savithri, DEO, Chamarajnagar, Karnataka
 SECOND AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Management
of electoral roll : Sh. Kundan Kumar, DEO, Saran, Bihar
 THIRD AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICE: Voter awareness

and education: Dr. Ashok Kumar Bhargava, DEO, Shahdol,
Madhya Pradesh
 SPECIAL AWARD: Jaideep Govind, CEO, Madhya Pradesh
 SPECIAL AWARD: Smt. Priyanka Shukla, CEO—Zila Parishad,

Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh
 SPECIAL AWARD: Capt. Pradeep Shoury Arya, Jt. Commissioner

IT, Karnataka

ON VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS (PRINT MEDIA
CATEGORY): Rajasthan Patrika
 THIRD AWARD: Best Electoral Practice: Special enrollment

initiatives and voter awareness: Simranjeet Singh, DEO, Leh,
Jammu & Kashmir
 NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN ON

VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND AWARENESS (ELECTRONIC MEDIA
CATEGORY): DD Girnar

Press
Release
4th National Voters' Day celebrated

across the country
3.91 crore new electors registered
across the country
National Awards presented for Best
Electoral Practices
Total electorate is about 80 crore now
4 th National Voters’ Day celebrated

across the country; 3.91 crore new
electors registered across the country;
to the fourth National Voters’ Day, among
which 1.27 crore are the newly eligible
18-19yrs old. With this, the total electorate
National Awards presented for Best of the country is approximately 80 crore.
Electoral Practices: Total electorate is The final figure will be released after 31st
about 80 crore now. January, 2O14.
The Election Commission of lndia The National Function to mark the 4th
celebrated the 4th National Voters’ Day National Voters’ Day was held at Vigyan
across the country today. The theme Bhawan, New Delhi and was presided
for the 4th NVD is ‘Ethical Voting’. NVD over by Hon’ble President of lndia, Shri
functions were held at more than 6.56 Pranab Mukherjee. The President gave
lakh locations across the country covering away the National Awards for the Best
nearly all 9 lakh Polling Stations.3.91 crore Electoral Practices. The Award comprises
new electors were added in the run up three awards for District Election officers

and Superintendent of Police of district and a Special delegates from Election Management Bodies from
Award for Officers outside the district machinery. Awards abroad, dignitaries, diplomats, senior officials and groups
for excellence to states for 201.3 were also given away to of new electors and youth.
Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tripura. Media Awards for
the Best Campaign on Voter Education and Awareness 25th January is also the foundation day of the
was also given away. The list of the Award winners is Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950.
appended. The President also gave EPIC (Voter lD card) The Commission’s objective through NVD is to increase
to 6 new voters of Delhi. enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones,
to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality. The
The function was attended by the Chief Election National Voters’ Day is also utilized to spread awareness
Commissioner, Shri V S Sampath, Election among voters regarding effective participation in the
Commissioners, Shri H S Brahma and Dr. Nasim Zaidi, electoral process.
former CECs, ECs, representatives of political parties,
NATIONAL
DAY
2013
THEME Inclusion
CEC Messsage/ Vice President National Press

Shri V S Sampath
CEC
Message
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate all citizens, especially the newly enrolled
voters, on the 3rd National Voters’ Day. The National Voters’ Day is dedicated to the
Constitutional Rights of adult suffrage granted to every Indian citizen, irrespective of
religion, race, caste, community, language, region or socio- economic considerations.
Today is also a day to remember the precious gift that founders of Indian Constitution
made to the people of India by the name of Election Commission of India, 63 years ago.
The Commission has delivered credible elections to the Indian people each and every
time it was called upon to do so.
Citizen’s participation in democratic elections starts with the registration and gets
completed with voting on the polling day. Through consistent efforts, we have achieved
an electoral roll of around 76 crore voters following the recently concluded Roll Revision
exercise.
We know that a certain number of eligible people are still uncovered, unreached and
unmotivated. Our Endeavour is to ensure that everyone eligible should he enrolled and
all those enrolled should participate in the elections. Besides, this participation of citizens
needs to be informed and ethical, if we like our democracy to be meaningful. The Pledge
that we all would be taking today is a reaffirmation of our faith in ourselves, our country
and our democracy.
I once again convey my best wishes to every citizen on the National Voters’ Day and
appeal to one and all to make it a great success by becoming an integral part of the
democratic electoral process.
Jai Hind!
CEC
Speech
H on’ble Vice President of India, Shri

Hamid Ansari, Minister of Law &
Justice, Dr Ashwini Kumar, my fellow
recently concluded Roll Revision exercise.
Out of this 1.76 crore are in the newly
eligible 18-19 year category .
Commissioners, Sh. Brahma and Dr Zaidi,
leaders of Political Parties, distinguished We know that a good number of eligible
guests, Hon’ble Commissioners from people are still uncovered, unreached,
South Asian Countries, Excellencies, uninformed and unmotivated. Our
Young Electors of Delhi, Award Winners, endeavor is to ensure that everyone
Ladies and Gentlemen! It is a moment eligible, should be enrolled and those
of great honour and pride today for the enrolled should participate in the
Shri V S Sampath
Election Commission of India that we are elections. The Pledge that we all would
gathered here to celebrate the National be taking today is a reaffirmation of our
Voters’ Day, which was launched on 25th faith in ourselves, our country and our
January, 2011. democracy.
The National Voters’ Day is dedicated to While this day has been fully dedicated
the Constitutional Rights of adult suffrage to the empowerment of voters and
granted to every India citizen, irrespective strengthening of India’s participatory
of religion, race, caste, community, democracy, today is also a day to
language, region or socioeconomic remember the precious gift that founder
considerations. Citizen’s participation of the Indian Constitution gave to
in democratic elections starts with the the people by the name of Election
registration and culminates with voting Commission of Indian 63 years ago. The
on the polling day. Through consistent Commission has delivered election to the
efforts, we have achieved an electoral Indian people each and every time it was
roll of 77.78 crore electors following the called upon to do so.
Inclusion » 127
What we are witnessing here today is only a small part of right from Chief Electoral officer in the state down to
the country-wide exercise simultaneously taking place the Booth Level Officer and with the sustained SVEEP
at 6.4 lakh locations covering each of the 8.5 lakh Polling campaign, which stands for ‘Systematic Voters Education
Station areas. It gives me great pleasure to inform you and Electoral Participation’. The focus of our campaign
that 2.32 crore new electors have been enrolled in the this year has been ‘Inclusion’ directed at addressing the
Electoral Rolls in the last few months. Around 93 lakh out gap in electoral registration among various categories
of these 2.32 crore are the newly eligible voters of the 18- and groups like Tribals, marginalized sections, differently-
19 year age group, those who turned 18 just 25 days back. abled, and other excluded groups and communities.
Through the National Voters’ Day, we have been able to
somewhat bridge the widest gap in our electoral roll – Election Commission of India is committed to have every
the under registration of the newly eligible electors. eligible citizen of the country on the electoral rolls and
to facilitate everyone on the roll to exercise her or his
All this has been accomplished through the laudable franchise.
efforts and sustained hard work of the election machinery
We have launched vigorous campaigns under our SVEEP act as informed and ethical voters at the first opportunity.
programme, to disseminate necessary information,
motivate voters and facilitate participation. Interventions We are honoured to have Hon’ble Vice President as the
were targeted based on findings of scientific surveys of Chief Guest. His concerns about quality elections are well
the knowledge, attitudes, behavior and practices of the known. I am sure that with his encouragement and support
electorate in each of these States, and by applying social we would be further motivated to work towards achieving
marketing techniques. our goal of 100% enrolment and complete participation of
people in elections, voluntarily and every time.
Our efforts have yielded results. We received consistently
higher turnout in the last twelve general elections in I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our two
the states. Last year, out of the elections in 7 states, the new National Icons, Olympic Medallist Ms Saina Nehwal
women turnout percentage was higher then men in 6 and Ms M C Mary Kom for motivating citizens and more
states. Traditionally low turnout states like Uttar Pradesh specifically the youth, to come forward and become part
and Gujarat reported record turnout in their elections. of the democratic electoral process. They join the galaxy
Even high turnout states like Goa, Himachal Pradesh of our national Icons who are former President of India, Dr
and Punjab recorded historic voter turnout. This higher A P J Abdul Kalam and Captain of Indian Cricket team Shri
participation by the people in the electoral process gives M C Dhoni.
us satisfaction.
The enormous strides by the Commission in voters’
The Election Commission is committed to the conduct participation in recent times would not have been
of free, fair and peaceful elections every time; we take all possible without the significant support from Union and
possible steps to ensure that the electorate participates State Government Departments, Educational Institutions,
in the electoral process freely and fearlessly. We will Civil Society Organizations, the Corporate sector and the
continue our endeavour to make elections even more Media. I need to specially mention the collaboration from
people friendly. Election to election, there are innovations Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Doordarshan, All
in order to make sure that the hard earned credibility and India Radio, NSS, NYKS among others. We look forward
the efficient conduct of world’s largest elections acquires to more such synergy in future in advancing greater
further glory. participation of people in the electoral process.
I am very happy to see in front of me some of the finest With these words, I would like to thank, the relentlessly
officers from the field, who have received the National working Booth Level Officers, Electoral Registration
Awards today. They have gone beyond the ordinary call Officers and their Assistants and Deputies, the District
of duty to contribute in election management, improving Election Officers, the 35 Chief Electoral Officers in each
voter registration, educating voters and enforcing election State and UT, to all my colleagues and staff of the Election
laws and procedures and maintaining peace during Commission, specially the Director General, Akshay
elections. Rout and other officers of the SVEEP Division and all
other stakeholders for making the National Voters’ Day a
I also congratulate the 10 young voters of Delhi, who success.
received their EPICs today. We welcome them into the
elite club of the 77 crore electorate. I am sure you would Jai Hind!
Inclusion » 129
Vice President
Address
I am happy to be here today for the

commemoration of the Third National
Voters’ Day organized by Election
The high standards set by the Election
Commission in election management
are now globally recognized. In fact, the
Commission of India, which also coincides Commission is now sharing its resources
with its Foundation Day. on election management with other
countries through the India International
We in India take pride in being the world’s Institute of Democracy and Election
largest democracy where regular, free Management.
and fair elections are conducted in an
efficient and effective manner. The credit The aim of the National Voters’ Day is
Shri Hamid Ansari
for this goes to the Election Commission to bring every eligible citizen on the
that has, over six decades, conducted 15 electoral roll with primary focus on the
elections to the Lok Sabha and about 350 newly eligible voter, i.e. the 18-19 yrs
elections to State Legislative Assemblies. old. Many of these new voters are being
felicitated in similar functions at around
An idea of the magnitude and complexity 7 lakh locations. I commend the Election
of our electoral process can be gauged Commission for undertaking this exercise.
from the fact that in the 2009 General
Election the electorate numbered more I also congratulate the 10 young voters
than 714 million. It was catered to by from Delhi, who have just received their
10 lakh polling booths in which about Voter ID Cards. I also urge millions across
50 lakh personnel were deployed. 360 the country to value their vote and the
parties put forth candidates. The average importance of exercising their right to
voter turn out was 59.7 percent. vote in an informed and ethical manner
for the betterment of our democracy.
It is a matter of satisfaction that the Election Commission and 2009 respectively, it was 60.03, 75.87 and 82.68
has taken up a systematic and sustained programme for respectively.
voters’ education and electoral participation. The results
of these efforts have been quite visible in the last few The conclusion is inescapable that a majority of
general elections in the states as we have even seen elected members of the Lok Sabha in recent years,
consistent increase in voters’ participation. However, and even earlier, won on a minority of votes cast in their
more needs to be done. constituencies. The situation is no better, perhaps worse,
in State Assembly Elections with percentage of returned
Friends candidates on minority of votes cast going above 70
percent in several cases.
Despite our achievements, we cannot rest on our
laurels. Perfection is a matter of receding horizons. The When this percentage is considered alongside the
experience of six decades propels us examine it critically. average voter turn out, it would suggest that the elected
This would show, firstly, that every citizen entitled to vote representative may not, often is not, representative of
does not exercise this right and secondly, that the First- his/her electoral constituency.
Past-The-Post system adopted by us often results in the
winner obtaining less than a majority of the votes cast. Furthermore, this system encourages candidates to focus
on securing votes of a segment of the electorate and
In regard to the first it has been argued, in terms of the thereby accentuate or reinforce social divisions based on
democratic theory, that the right to vote carries with narrower considerations that derogate from inclusiveness
it an obligation to exercise the franchise in favour of a and promote divisive tendencies and social conflict.
candidate of choice. A corollary of this would be the
right to reject if none of the candidates on the list find For a mature democracy like ours, both these limitations
favour with the voter. Such a conscious rejection would of our electoral system require to be addressed.
be preferable to abstention from voting. The procedural
modality for bringing this about can be worked out on the I also take this opportunity to congratulate the various
model of some of the democracies where it is in vogue. Awardees who are being recognized today for their fine
performance in the field by conferment of the National
The second corrective pertains to the First-Past-The- Awards for Best Electoral Practice.
Post system in which the successful candidate wins on a
plurality, rather than a majority, of votes cast. Its limitation I extend my felicitations to the Election Commission of
is evident from the factual data. In the first general India on its Foundation Day and for its services to the
election in 1952, the percentage of successful candidates nation.
who secured less than 50 percent of the votes cast was
67.28. This figure went down to 58.09 percent in 1957. In Jai Hind!
the 13th, 14th, and 15th general elections in 1999, 2004,
Inclusion » 131
National
Awards

 STATE AWARD: Uttar Pradesh
 STATE AWARD: Gujarat
 STATE AWARD: West Bengal
 FIRST AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Voter Awareness

and Participation: Kamini Chauhan Ratan, DEO Bulandshahr,
Uttar Pradesh
 FIRST AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Voters’ Education

& Awareness: Shri Surendra Singh, DEO Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh
 SECOND AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Inclusive and

Participative Electoral Process: Avantika Aulakh, DEO Bharuch &
DEO Anand, Gujarat
 SECOND AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Innovatiove

SVEEP Campaign for Voter education and awareness: Pravin
Bakshi, District Election Officer , West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
 THIRD AWARD - BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICE: Enrolment

Process: Ms Jaishri Kiyawat, DEO Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh
Press
Release
3rd National Voters’ Day celebrated

across the country
2.32 crore new electors registered and
handed over Voter ID Cards
National Awards presented for Best
Electoral Practices

celebrated the 3rd National Voters’
Day across the country today. The theme
National Awards for the Best Electoral
Practices. The Award comprises three
awards for District Election officers and
for the 3rd NVD is ‘Inclusion’. Superintendent of Police of district and
one Special Award for Officers outside the
NVD functions were held at more than district machinery. Best State Awards for
6.5 lakh locations across the country 2012 was also given away to Gujarat, Uttar
covering nearly all 8.5 lakh Polling Pradesh and West Bengal. Media Awards
Stations. Around 46,000 Educational for the Best Campaign on Voter Education
Institutions also celebrated National and Awareness was also given away.
Voters’ Day. Around 4,867 Youth Voter
Festivals have been held across the The Chief Guest also gave EPIC (Voter
states to engage youth in the registration ID card) to 10 new voters of Delhi (those
process. who attained the age of 18 years – with
1st January every year as the qualifying
The National Function to mark the date) and a badge with the slogan “Proud
3rd National Voters’ Day was held at to be a Voter – Ready to Vote”. The Vice
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Hon’ble President also administered the NVD
Vice President, Shri M Hamid Ansari pledge to all present in the function.
who was the Chief Guest, gave away the
Inclusion » 133
In his Keynote address, Shri Hamid Ansari commended Commission for paying serious attention to this. He
the commission for its systematic and sustained underlined ECI’s role in reinforcing Indian democracy also
programme for voters’ participation which has given for setting an example in the whole world. He assured the
visible results. He further added that a lot more needs Commission all support necessary for management of
to be done to make people’s participation complete. He elections particularly in the area of electoral reforms.
appreciated the Commission’s initiative in sharing its skills
and expertise with other democratic countries through Earlier, welcoming the guests, Election Commissioner
IIIDEM. Shri H S Brahma said that the NVD is now the flagship
programme of the Election Commission of India not
Chief Election Commissioner, Shri V S Sampath only in terms of the large-scale empowerment of
congratulated the election machinery for the new citizens through enrolment but also for the country-wide
enrolment of about 2.32 crore citizens in the recently undertaken for spreading voter education and awareness.
concluded roll revision which included around 93 lakh
newly eligible electors in the 18-19 yr age group. With Introducing the National Awards, Election Commissioner
this, he said, the country’s electorate now stands at 77.78 Dr Nasim Zaidi, said that the objective of the awards was
crore. He also pointed to the record turnout of voters to encourage innovation, efficiency and contribution in
particularly of women, in the recent general elections in the exclusive field of election management.
Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh through concerted efforts
of all, including Central and State Govt departments, 25th January is also the foundation day of the
educational institutions, civil society, corporate sector and Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950.
the media. Shri Sampath welcomed Olympics medallists The Commission’s objective through NVD is to increase
Ms Saina Nehwal and Ms Mary Kom as the Commission’s enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones,
new national icons on voter participation. to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality. The
National Voters’ Day is also utilized to spread awareness
Speaking at the function, Dr Ashwini Kumar, Minister of among voters regarding effective participation in the
Law and Justice pointed out that voter participation is electoral process.
the key in electoral democracy and lauded the Election
NATIONAL
DAY
2012
THEME Women’s Registration

CEC
Speech
H on’ble Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Sahab,

my fellow Commissioners, Sh.
Sampath and Sh. Brahma, leaders of
cause. We have not faltered any time, and
stay determined not to falter ever.
Political Parties, distinguished guests, What we are witnessing here goes far
Excellencies, Young Electors of Delhi, outside this impressive Hall. I would
Award Winners, Ladies and Gentlemen! like to remind everybody that this is not
It is a moment of great honour and a ceremonial gathering or an ordinary
pride today for the Election Commission function; it is an operation, being
of India that we are gathered here to conducted simultaneously country-wide.
celebrate the National Voters’ Day, the The Pledge we all took is echoing from
Dr. S Y Quraishi
second in the series, launched one every corner of the country. We need to
year ago on 25th January, 2011. While pay attention to each and every word
this day has been fully dedicated of it and let it sink into our psyche, the
to the empowerment of voters and oath to promote and protect our beloved
strengthening of India’s participatory democracy by taking part in elections
democracy, I am also reminded with and in the right manner. All of us are part
great reverence that on this day in of a historic commemoration at this very
1950, the founding fathers of the Indian hour that involves millions of countrymen
Constitution gifted to the nation a at more than 6.4 lakh locations covering
precious institution by the name of each of the 8.5 lakh Polling Station areas.
Election Commission of India in order to
make sure that journey of representative I am happy to inform you that 3.8 crore
democracy does not waiver. voters have been enrolled in the Electoral
Rolls in the last few months. We have
Today, would forever be an occasion already handed over the EPIC Cards to
to renew our commitment to this great more than half of them in the last few
Women’s Registration » 137

When we registered 52 lakh newly eligible voters on

the first National Voters Day, it was historic and we were
greatly pleased.
But this time, the additional enrolment in this category

shows more than a hundred percent increase. This
brings to us a realisation about how much can be done
through sincere and sustained pursuit of the by now
famous SVEEP strategy – that stands for Systematic
Voters Education and Electoral Participation. The focus
of our campaign this year has been ‘Women’s registration’
directed at addressing the gender gap in participation.
We have worked in a mission-mode and we have been

able to include more than double the number of citizens
in the electoral roll, as compared to last year. But, to
me this is just the beginning. We will not sit back until
we have every eligible citizen of the country on the
electoral rolls. You may be aware that we have extended
the facility of registration as voters to the Non-Resident
Indians also. We expect that the NRIs would avail this
facility and become part of the democratic electoral
process, from anywhere in the world. I am sure that our
electoral base would grow manifold in the years to come
with these initiatives.
days. The rest are receiving the card today in the manner
the young men received now on the stage. This could Our modest beginnings in ensuring maximum
easily be the biggest act of empowerment around a participation of the citizens in the electoral process are
single day, anywhere in the world. not restricted to their registration as voters alone. The
second and decisive part of this democratic participation
I feel even more proud to inform that 1 cr. 11 lakh out of is to turn out at the polling booth to vote. Election
these 3.8 crore are the newly eligible voters of the 18-19 Commission of India aspires to see every citizen on the
age group. In fact, through the National Voters’ Day, electoral roll to exercise her or his franchise when the
we have been able to deal with one of the weakest links occasion comes.
in our electoral roll – the under registration of the newly
eligible electors. It is encouraging that You would have come across the Voters’ Education and
Awareness initiatives of the Commission in different
from a mere 10-15 percent representation of the 18-19 parts of the country, especially in the States and Union
age group, we have been able to cover up to 35-40 Territories which had their Assembly elections last year
percent through sustained campaign of last 15 months. and the 5 States where the election process is now on.
We have launched vigorous campaigns, again as a part colleagues and counterparts across the country need to
of the SVEEP programme, to disseminate necessary emulate their practices, ideas and contributions.
information, motivate voters and facilitate participation.
Interventions were targeted based on findings of scientific I also congratulate the 20 young voters of Delhi, who
surveys of the knowledge, attitudes, behavior and received their EPICs today. We welcome them into the
practices of the electorate in each of these States, and by elite club of the 75 crore electorate. You have very truly
applying social marketing techniques. become adults today. I am sure you would act as
informed and ethical voters at the first opportunity. Please
Our efforts have yielded results. We received consistently help others among family, friends and the community to
higher turnout in the last seven general elections in wake up to this power, if they have not done as yet.
the states. In West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the turnout
was the best in history. Going by the performance in We are honoured to have Dr. Kalam as the Chief Guest,
registration, I do not have any doubt that the five states who is also our national icon, for motivating citizens
where polling is to happen soon, would also have higher and more specifically the youth, to come forward and
turnout. become part of the democratic electoral process. Our
campaigns feature him everywhere, along with a few
The Election Commission is committed to the conduct other celebrities from different walks of life who have lent
of free, fair and peaceful elections every time; we take all their voices to the cause of voters’ participation in various
possible steps to ensure that the electorate participates states and regions.
in the electoral process freely and fearlessly. I feel that
the National Voters’ Day is not just for the voters to take With these words, I would like to thank, the relentlessly
a pledge but also for the Commission to resolve how to working Booth Level Officers, Electoral Registration
make voters participation friendlier and attractive. Officers and their Assistants and Deputies, the District
Election Officers, the 35 Chief Electoral Officers in each
This would require introspection in all areas of election State and UT, to all my colleagues and staff of the
management like registration, polling station, security, Election Commission, specially the Director General,
infrastructure, technology, training and grievance Akshay Rout and other officers of the SVEEP Division and
redressal. We need to reach out to each and everyone, all other stakeholders for making the National Voters’ Day
the last citizen. I assure you that we are continuously a success.
doing so. Election to election, there are innovations in
order to make sure that the hard earned credibility and Let me end by underlining the faith of the Election
the efficient conduct of world’s largest elections acquires Commission in greater participation for the sake of a
further glory. stronger democracy.
I am very happy to see in front of me some of the Jai Hind!

finest performers from the field, who have received the
National Awards today. They have gone beyond the
ordinary call of duty to contribute their mite in managing
elections, improving voter registration, educating voters
and making fool-proof security arrangements. All their

President
Address
Making the nation great, European Union and United States

is in our hands put-together. Elections indeed are the
defining moments of the nation’s future.
I am delighted to participate in this

National Voters’ Day programme
organized by Election Commission of
I am happy that we have assembled
here to felicitate and give away elector’s
photo identity card which empowers
India which coincides with the foundation every citizen to elect the right candidate
day of the Election Commission. My as his representative in the Parliament
greetings to all of you. or Assembly who will constantly work
for realizing the growth, prosperity and
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Friends, as you are all aware, India has peace of the nation. Today I would like
traveled for over six decades as the to share my views on the topic “Youth:
largest democracy in the world by giving Architects of the 21st century Democracy”.
leadership to one billion plus people with
multi-culture, multi-religious and multi- Friends, India is a nation which is
lingual affiliations. India has developed its considered to be youngest in its
core-competence in Agriculture, Textile, demographics. We have about 550 million
ICT, Oil and Gas, Pharma, Space, Defence, youth in the nation and about 200 million
and Energy. Still we feel we are very are registered electorates. In the future,
young in democracy and our democracy the number of youth voters and their
has stood steadfast in its critical times. relative share will only grow progressively.
In this scenario, it is paramount for the
In 2009, when the nation held general efficiency of the democracy to ensure that
elections to the 15th Lok Sabha in five these youth are an integral and vibrant
phases, we had an electoral strength part of the democratic participation. How
of 714 million which is larger than the do we motivate the youth to be partners
in the democratic elections? How do we motivate others directories through the network GRID and collects the
who don’t vote normally due to various other reasons? information automatically and presents the facts in real-
time without any bias. Artificial intelligence software
During the last six decades, India has witnessed a analyses the credentials of the candidate and gives a
change in both quality and quantity of operations in the rating on how successful he or she will be as a politician.
election process. The voting process has moved from the Election officer sitting at the remote block of the country
balloting system to marking system and then gradually to decides on the spot and the election process starts. All
the present system based on electronic voting machines. the voters vote from their home through virtual polling
Multi member constituencies have given way to single booths. If we consider the breakthroughs and expansion
member constituency. Printed electoral roles have now in telecommunication and internet in the last decade, this
been substituted by computerized photo electoral roles. visualization is no longer a dream and is possible to be
The electors photo identity card, a cherish possession of achieved by our democratic country.
all citizens has been issued to over 630 million voters. In
this process, I have a vision. To establish a system what I have visualized, we need a
high bandwidth broadband connectivity across the many
I visualize an election scenario, where a candidate files his Government departments such as State and District
nomination from a particular constituency. Immediately Administration, Election commission, Universities, Banks,
the election officer verifies his or her authenticity Home - Police Departments, Insurance companies
from the Unique Identification Number database etc., This scenario requires vertical and horizontal
containing biometric and other data through multifactor e-Governance grid established across various institutions
authentication. and the Government. Hence, we can draw information
and feed information from these GRIDs for seamless
The education credentials of the candidate come from flow of data to achieve the goal of good governance. I
the university records. Candidate’s track record of am confident, the Election Commission in partnership
employment comes from various employers with whom with other arms of the government will workout such a
the candidate had worked. His or her income and wealth scheme which will enable the voters to vote from their
resources come from the income-tax department, and homes.
other sources. Candidate’s property record comes from
the registration of land authority across the country. This technology interface will not only save costs but
Candidate’s credit history comes form various credit also enable a larger participation with the confidence of
institutions like banks. Candidate’s civic consciousness safety, secrecy and transparency. Availability of system
and citizenship behaviour comes from the police crime such as emails, IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System)
record. Candidate’s legal track records come from the based platforms or SMS (short messaging service and
judicial system. MMS (Multi Media Service) and 3G will facilitate faster
implementation of my visualization.
All the details arrive at the computer terminal of the
election officer within few seconds automatically by the Friends, I have so far met 13 million youth of the nation
act of e-Governance software agents which crawls across in about a decade’s time. One message, I have got
the various state and central government web services from them which I want to share with all of you. The

message is, that the youth want to live in an economically is needed for India? With its 340 million people living
developed state and thereby a developed nation. I am below poverty line and the illiteracy rate is in the order of
conveying their aspirations towards the political leaders, 30%, the employment seekers of more than 30 million,
“we, the youth, have decided to elect Members of the our mission is to lift the millions of people who are below
Parliament and Members of State Legislatures, only if poverty line and to provide graceful and empowered life
they have proved to have contributed to the economic with full employment potential. That indeed necessitates
development of the constituency, state and the nation the developmental politics.
in their previous tenure. For the new entrants to politics,
they should possess a track record of selfless, committed I would like to visualize a situation in which the political
and honest service to the community where they reside or parties in our country competing with each other in
they work”. Youth want to see elected members as their putting forth their political vision through their manifesto.
role models in performance in the Parliament or State The voters have a right to question the manifesto and
Assembly, and also in their way of leading the life with give suggestion for improving the manifesto based on
integrity and succeeding with integrity. local and regional needs.
The youth, definitely, expect the elected representatives When the opportunity is given for a particular party by
to ensure that the performance of the Parliament and the people in the election process to implement the
State Assemblies are never disturbed or halted and youth development plan and it becomes a reality with the
consider this action of non-performance as a crime and a support of all members, the country and the people will
wasteful process. The citizens expect that availability time be blessed by the noble act of the Parliamentarians.
in the Houses is fully utilized for drawing up vision for the Democracy provides opportunity for everybody to prove
nation, making laws and discussing and finding solutions oneself how better you can perform in realizing the vision
to our national and regional problems. Above all the youth of the nation.
of the nation, desire their representatives to follow the
mission of developmental politics. The need for removal of poverty totally out of our country,
the need for providing opportunities for all our people in
Now I would like to discuss what I have presented in the the fiercely competitive and knowledge based world and
Parliament during the award ceremony to outstanding the need for providing security to the people and nation
parliamentarians, on 21 March 2005 on the topic Political in the complex world of today, these multiple needs –
Politics vs. Development Politics and stressed how leads to the necessity of our political system graduating
important it is for the members of the Parliament to from political politics to Development Politics. In a
work 70% of their time, on developmental politics, that is, sense, it is a “post-graduation” for the whole nation and
economic development of their constituencies. therefore the Parliament and state Legislatures which
has an exalted position to give directions to the nation.
When I saw the members of the largest democracy, I The discussions, debate, consensus towards these
shared a thought on Political Politics and Developmental kind of goals based on the opportunity given through
Politics. As you are all aware, in politics there are two the Parliamentary democracy, will certainly lead India
dimensions, the first one is political politics and the other towards the path of reaching a developed India even
is developmental politics. Political politics was essential before 2020. This is called developmental politics.
during the time of independence movement. Today, what
The election commission must carry out research on serving people. I am sure, election commission can play
the success of development politics in different parts an important role in bringing this message to action.
of the nation and present their findings to the both
house of parliament and the people of the nation. In It is important for every Indian voter to vote and exercise
this connection, I would like put forth my experience in his or her franchise. The enlightened voter can suggest
Amravati where I addressed a student gathering of over to the parties to include constituency development plans
100,000. At the end of the meet, I asked how many would as a part of the overall macro manifesto of the party with
like to join politics. Very few raised their hands. When I time bound targets which will empower the local voters
asked one of them what he will do when he joins politics. to make their own individual judgments based on the
He said, “I will remove corruption!” Another student told, developmental needs and deliverables of their regions?
that he will work for developing his constituency and find Can the voters who have been given the valuable EPICs
employment for every citizen. Among the people who today demand such information from the competing
did not raise their hands, I asked one of them why he did candidates in their constituencies? If you start doing it, I
not want to join politics - he said, “I do not know what my am sure, nation will have great leaders who will have no
future will be if I join politics!” Yet another youth said, “I will other work other than removing the pain of the people
have to have large wealth if I have to join politics”. These and uplifting their socio-economic conditions.
responses represent the national scenario of politics and
politicians. On 21st November 2005, I had visited Adhichunchanagiri
Math, attended a function of FUREC (Foundation for
There is a need to remove the correlation between Unity of Religions and Enlightened Citizenship) and
wealth and politics, uncertainty in the political system interacted with over 54,000 students of various schools
and youth must see clean politics as a viable career for and colleges of Karnataka. There a 10th class student

do it”. The confidence comes from them that they have

love as a tool. Similarly I have also asked the parents in
some other meeting, initially there was a silence, later,
many of them hesitantly agreed that they would abide
by the children’s suggestion since it is driven by love.
They took an oath from me. The oath was “I will lead an
honest life free from all corruption and will set an example
for others to adopt a transparent way of life”. Finally I told
the students that they should start a movement starting
from their home. Youth of today have to fight to eradicate
corruption by making each home righteous.
Friends, let me now discuss about a very important

area which is significant to our quest in evolving an
Ms. M. Bhavani studying in Adichunchanagiri Composite economically developed nation by 2020. Of course, we
High School, Sharavathy Nagar, Shimoga asked me the are making significant progress in all directions which
following question. is propelling India at a growth rate in excess of 9%.
“Dear Sir, What is the role of students to stop corruption But we also have many challenges to overcome. They
which is deeply rooted in our county just like cancer?” include, corruption and moral turpitude in the nation,
environmental degradation and the need to build a
Agony of the young mind is reflected in this question. compassionate society. These are evils which need to be
For me it was an important question, since it came from defeated by the goodness of the youth. Where do such
a young mind. I was thinking what type of solutions we evils arise from? It arises from the never ending greed
could give. My thought process was the following: of what can I take? The fight for corruption free, ethical
I said there are one billion people in the country and society, good environment hence will have to be fought
nearly 200 million homes. In general there are good against this greed and replace “What can I take?” to the
citizens everywhere. However, if we find that people in spirit of “What Can I Give”? And if we inculcate the spirit
few million houses are not transparent and not amenable of What Can I Give, it would not only be our strength in
to the laws of the country, what can we do? These houses overcoming moral degradation, but also ensure a society
apart from parents have one daughter or one son or which is compassionate, environmentally conscious and
both. If the parents in these houses are deviating from caring towards each other. As citizens, we need to ask
the transparent path the children can use the tool of love ourselves one question - What Can I Give? Let me give
and affection and correct the parents to come back to some examples:
the right path. I asked all the children assembled in that
gathering, in case parents of few children get deviated 1. Can I be an Environment Giver, thereby giving a clean
from transparency, will you children boldly tell your environment and conserve the planet and its habitat from
parents, father or mother, you are not doing the right degradation? (billion trees for billion people; today we can
thing, that is what we are taught by you and in the school. decide, each one of us will plant five trees and nurture)
Most of the children spontaneously responded, “We will
as real as life is. It raises the voice in protest whenever

anything is thought of or done contrary to the
righteousness. Conscience is a form of truth that has
been transferred through our genetic stock in the form
of the knowledge of our own acts and feelings as right
or wrong. On the National Voters’ Day, let us all take a
pledge to effectively use our hard-earned franchise and
use our conscience to vote for the ideal candidate who
can ensure growth, prosperity and peace of our nation.
When you keep conscience clear, righteousness will
prevail upon you.
Righteousness
Where there is righteousness in the heart,
There is beauty in the character.
2. Can I be a Care giver, and providing care to those When there is beauty in the character,
needy, those who are sick and those who are lonely in There is harmony in the home.
their pains? (Visit a hospital and give happiness to the When there is harmony in the home,
patients who are not visited by anybody. You can offer There is an order in the nation.
flowers, fruits and cheerfulness of the youth) When there is order in the nation,
There is peace in the world.
3. Can I be a Good Democracy Giver? (Will I ensure that
in every elections, I vote responsibly, my family votes For achieving a good governance and great society, the
responsibly and my neighborhood votes responsibly? starting point is righteousness in the heart. I am sure, the
Can I ensure that my vote goes for those who work with important aspect of righteousness, honesty, selflessness,
integrity and succeed with integrity?) unbiased attitude and integrity are embedded in each
one of our voters who have received EPICs today. If all the
Friends, let me now put-forth a unique mission which has voters of our country decide righteously, I am confident
being launched across the nation in which I would like India can be proud to be a great country with great
every member present here to be a part of. It is a called leaders.
“THE WHAT CAN I GIVE” movement. What can I give is
the mission to generate great youth with ethics and great Once again let me greet all the participants on this
families with value system. You can write to me with your occasion of National Voters’ Day. My best wishes to all
ideas or visit www.whatcanigive.info and make it a vibrant the citizens of my country for success in their mission of
mechanism of connecting people with a common goal of making the country great through great leaders by their
“Giving”. considered utilization of franchise.
Friends, conscience is the light of the Soul that burns May God Bless you all.
within the chambers of our psychological heart. It is

National
Awards

Awards were presented to:
 Shri Mayur Maheshwari, DEO Ramabai Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
 Shri Pranav Kumar, SP Bankura, West Bengal
 Shri Amit Singla, DEO North West Delhi
 Smt. S. Sangeetha, RDO Trichy, Returning Officer for Trichy

West Assembly Constituency in Tamil Nadu
Press
Release
National Voters’ Day Celebrated

Across Country
T he national function of second

National Voters’ Day (NVD) was
observed today at Vigyan Bhawan, New
administered the NVD pledge. Dr. Kalam
also gave away National Awards to
four District Electoral Officers (DEO’s)/
Delhi, a practice that was initiated last Superintendents of Police (SP’s), namely,
year to coincide with the foundation Shri Mayur Maheshwari, DEO, Ramabai
day of the Election Commission of India Nagar (U.P.), Shri Prabhav Kumar, SP,
and also to enhance the participation Bankura (WB), Shri Amit Singla, DEO,
of the voters, especially the youth, in North-west Delhi, and Smt. S. Sangeetha,
the democratic process. The Former RDO, Trichy West R.O. (TN) for adopting
President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the “Best Electoral Practices”.
Chief Guest at the occasion. The Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr. S.Y. The Chief Guest Dr. Kalam applauded
Quraishi, the Election Commissioners the work of Election Commission of India
Shri V.S. Sampath and Shri H.S. Brahma, in conducting free and fair elections
and eminent foreign dignitaries and across different levels. Dr. Kalam said
representatives from political parties were that youth are the “vibrant partners” of
also present at the occasion. Dr. Kalam democracy. He further said that in order
distributed Elector Photo Identity Cards for Election Commission to perform well
(EPIC) to 20 newly eligible and enrolled in future it is required that Information
voters of Delhi, belonging to different and Communications technology is
sections of society, along with a badge used in the electoral process. This will
“Proud to be a Voter- Ready to Vote”. All not only save cost but also make way for
present were also transparency. Dr. Kalam added that India

requires a shift towards developmental politics to raise initiate the programme to educate the voters to enable
her poor from the clutches of poverty. He further added them to choose better legislators. He further said that
that correlation between wealth and politics needs to be the Commission should, besides focussing on voters’
removed and conscience needs to play a big role for that. awareness, also focus on better and bigger participation
of people in the political process.
Dr. Quraishi in his address said that National Voters’ day
function is being run on a “mission mode” and the motive Shri Akshay Rout, Director General, Election Commission
is to enhance the voter enrolment level until all voters of India, in his Vote of Thanks, said that the Commission
are registered across India. He also said that the National was honoured to have Dr. Kalam as Chief Guest. He also
Voters’ Day is not just for the voters to take a pledge but thanked the foreign dignitaries, representatives from the
also for the Commission to resolve how to make voters political parties, media-persons, and other guests and
participation friendlier and attractive. He said that Election dignitaries for their cooperation and participation.
Commission launched vigorous campaigns, again as a
part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral The Election Commission’s objective behind National
Participation (SVEEP) programme, to disseminate Voters’ Day is to increase enrolment of voters, especially
necessary information, motivate voters and facilitate of the newly eligible ones, by using this occasion to make
participation. universal adult suffrage a complete reality, and thereby
enhance the quality of Indian democracy. The day is also
In his Welcome address, Shri Sampath said that Election utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding
Commission of India was honored that its national brand effective participation in the electoral process. As per
ambassador as Chief Guest on the occasion of second the reports of Voters’ registration, approximately 3.83
National Voters’ Day. He said that NVD is now a flagship crore new registrations have been done throughout the
programme of the Election Commission of India for country, out of which 1.11 crore are in the age group 18-19
empowerment of citizens especially youth. Today, similar as on 01st January, 2012, which was the qualifying date.
programmes are being held at 8.5 lakh polling stations Last year 52 lakh young voters, who had attained the age
across the country. of 18 years, had been enrolled which marked the biggest
empowerment of youth on a single day anywhere in the
Shri Brahma gave an introduction of the National awards world.
and stated the Commission, as part of NVD, should
NATIONAL
DAY
2011
THEME
Greater Participation
for a Stronger Democracy
Curtain President National Press
Raiser150 Address153 Awards156 Release158
Curtain
Raiser
Launch of ‘National Voters’ Day’

Millions to get Voter ID Card on 25th January
Diamond Jubilee Valedictory of Election
Commission of India
National Electoral Bodies from across the
world to Participate

was set-up on 25th Jan, 1950, while
the Constitution came into force a day
as Chief Guest. Speaker of Lok Sabha,
Smt. Meira Kumar, Minister of Law and
Justice, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister
after, i.e. 26th Jan, 1950. The Commission of Information and Broadcasting, Smt
celebrated 60 years of its constitution Ambika Soni, and the three members of
on the 25th Jan, 2010. Hon’ble President the Election Commission will share the
of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, dais.
had inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan, New The leaders of all National and State
Delhi on 25th Jan, 2010. level Political parties, Constitutional
and statutory authorities, former Chief
The valedictory function of the Diamond Election Commissioners and Election
Jubilee celebrations is being organized Commissioners, members of the
at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi on 25th diplomatic corps and senior officials
Jan, 2011. Hon’ble President of India has have been invited on this occasion.
kindly consented to grace the function
The function will be attended by over 30 Heads National Voters’ Day

of National Electoral Management Bodies and The 25th of January every year, will be observed as the
representatives of related International organizations “National Voters’ Day”, throughout the country, starting
from all over the world. Countries which have confirmed from this year, which is the Commission’s foundation day.
participation are Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, In this launch year, the day coincides with the conclusion
Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives, Mauritius, of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Commission.
Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, USA, Mexico,
Venezuela, Guyana, Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Newly eligible and registered voters w.r.t. 01-01-2011, as
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, qualifying date will be felicitated in over 8 lakh polling
Ghana, and Botswana. Representatives of International station areas in solemn ceremonies on 25th January at
IDEA Sweden; IFES, USA, AAEA, Taiwan; Malaysian the polling booth level, Block/ Tehsil level/ District level
Commonwealth Study Centre, UK , University of North and State level across the country. Hon’ble President will
Carolina, USA are attending the function. give away Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to five such
voters in the function in New Delhi which will mark the
On this occasion, Hon’ble President will give away awards national level launch of the National Voters’ Day.
for best electoral practices to 8 District Election Officers/
Superintendents of Police based on presentations The newly enrolled electors will also be given a badge
made by them during the Zonal Symposia. The names with the slogan “Proud to be a Voter-Ready to Vote”
of the winners are enclosed in annexure. The Minister during the felicitation ceremony along with their EPIC.
of Information & Broadcasting would hand over a short They would also be administered a pledge that goes as
commemorative film on Indian Elections in the last 60 follows:
years, brought out with active support of Doordarshan, to “We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in
the Hon’ble President. democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the democratic
traditions of our country and the dignity of free, fair
The year 2010 was celebrated as Diamond Jubilee Year and peaceful elections, and to vote in every election
by the ECI and offices of the Chief Electoral Officers fearlessly and without being influenced by considerations
across the country. The adopted theme of the year was of religion, race, caste, community, language or any
“Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy”. A inducement”.
whole range of activities was taken up during the year.
Five Zonal Symposia were organized on Sharing Best This initiative is expected to give the youth a sense of
Electoral Practices. Commemorative Photo exhibitions citizenship, empowerment, pride and participation and
depicting highlights of Indian elections were organised also inspire them to exercise their franchise, when the
in all the States and Union Territories. Efforts were made occasion comes.
to raise awareness among voters about their rights and
duties with the help of media, civil society organization Govt. of India, State Govts, State Election Commissions,
and academic institutions. As a result, participation Political parties, Media, Civil Society, Opinion Groups, etc.
of voters during the general elections to Legislative have been associated with the event. A large number
Assemblies of Jharkhand, held in 2009 and Bihar in 2010 of voters’ education activities are being taken up at
witnessed significant increase. the State/UT level including a multi-media campaign
to popularize electoral participation and democratic
Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy » 151

practices and dissemination of information about (ii) Electoral Participation- Involving the Youth.
electoral processes. (iii) Innovative Practices in Election Management Bodies.
(iv) Money Power in Elections.
The Commission’s objective is to increase enrolment of (v) Ensuring Autonomy for Election Management.
voters, especially of the newly eligible ones, by using (vi) Role of Technology in Election Management.
this occasion so as to make universal adult suffrage a (vii) Role of Civil Society in strengthening Electoral
complete reality and thereby enhance the quality of Democracy.
Indian democracy. The day will also be utilized to spread (viii) Role of Media during Elections.
awareness among voters regarding effective participation (ix) National Education Experience- Highlights & Unique
in the electoral process. Features.
In keeping with the objectives of the National Voters’ Day, The Conference is expected to facilitate exchange of
a countrywide special campaign was taken up to reach experience and expertise among major practitioners of
out to the newly eligible (18+ ) electors, and to register electoral democracy.
them in the just concluded revision of electoral roll with
reference to 1.1.2011 as the qualifying date. As a result Bilateral Cooperation
of these efforts, millions of youth in the 18-19 age group On the sidelines of the Diamond Jubilee and National
have been enrolled. Voters’ Day events, there will be bilateral meetings and
discussions with several Electoral Commissions. The
International Conference Election Commission of Pakistan has requested for a
On the eve of the launch of National Voters’ Day and bilateral meeting and a demonstration of the Indian
valedictory function of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and for visit to an
Election Commission of India is hosting an International EVM factory, which the ECI has accepted. Several other
Conference on ‘Best Electoral Practices’ on 24th January, electoral bodies have requested for bilateral cooperation
2011. Over 30 heads of National Election Management with ECI and for signing of MoUs with the Commission.
Bodies and representatives of related international Election Commission of India has signed MoU in the past
organizations, several Indian dignitaries, representatives with United Nations and the Electoral Bodies of Ivory
of civil society, and other stakeholders are taking part in Coast, Mexico, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Brazil and Russia.
the conference. The conference will have as its topics: MoUs are ready for signing soon with Mauritius and
(i) Voter’s Education-Towards a more Scientific and Nepal.
Comprehensive Approach.
President
Address
Ladies and Gentlemen, flowering of democracy in the country.
Iam happy to participate in the

Valedictory function of the Diamond
Jubilee Celebrations of the Election
The Election Commission holds, in
many ways, the key into the portals
and chambers of democracy. The
Commission of India, the celebrations of Commission is entrusted with conduct
which I had the occasion to launch last of the entire process of elections - the
year. I understand that during the past preparation of the voters’ list, registering
year, the Commission organized a series political parties, admitting candidates
of events in the country on the theme of into the fray after scrutiny of their papers,
“Sharing Best Electoral Practices”. Based monitoring election campaigns, making
Smt. Pratibha Devisingh
on these, the Best Electoral Practices voting and counting arrangements as
Patil
Awards have been conferred today. I well as declaring results. For a credible
convey my greetings and good wishes to electoral exercise that is free and fair,
the award winners. I am also happy that the people, candidates, the political
a film on 60 Years of Indian Elections has parties and the Commission have to work
been released today. This film should together.
have great educative value in enabling
our citizens to understand our electoral I am pleased that to commemorate
journey since we became a Republic, the founding day of the Election
as also appreciate the great amount of Commission - the 25th of January -
efforts and preparations required for from now onwards, will be observed as
holding elections, and the importance of the National Voter’s Day every year, to
the right to vote. spread awareness among voters about
effective participation in the electoral
I congratulate the Election Commission process. Every citizen is a stakeholder
for its remarkable contribution to the in the maintenance and the nurturing of

democracy in the country. As Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, this commendable initiative. I was, therefore, particularly
our first Prime Minister had said, “Democracy is based happy to confer the Electors Photo Identify Cards to
on the active and intelligent interest of the people in some of the newly registered voters on the first National
their national affairs and in the elections that result in the Voters Day.
formation of governments.” Comprehensive and correct
electoral rolls are the very foundation of a successful In its over six decades, the Election Commission has
election. Every year a significant number of young conducted 15 Lok Sabha and more than 300 elections
people on attainment of 18 years of age also become to the State Legislative Assemblies, which has facilitated
eligible as voters. In spite of the annual exercise for the the peaceful, orderly and democratic transfer of power.
revision of electoral rolls, a significant number of new Carrying out the most extensive and mammoth election
voters do not come on to the voters list for one reason or process in the world with exceptional success is no
another. In order to overcome this, I am pleased that the mean or small achievement. Every year in the Election
Commission has decided to carry out a regular exercise Commission’s schedule, there would be one or more
to identify all eligible voters, across the more than eight elections to be conducted. Each election would have
lakh polling stations in the country, and give to them greatly added to the Commission’s knowledge about
Election Photo Identity Cards on 25th January at every the conduct of elections. There would have been new
polling station. I congratulate the Election Commission for aspects and new lessons learnt, enriching the experience
base of the Commission. This has contributed to and free of any malpractices. If need be, necessary
improvements and additionally, the Commission has also legislation and procedures must be introduced to
incorporated technological advances in the conduct of achieve these objectives.
elections in India. Indeed, there has been a change in
both quality and quantity of its operations. In 1962, when I am acutely aware of the tremendous work involved to
I fought my first election, the voting process moved from keep the wheels of democracy moving. I believe that
the balloting system to the marking system, and then no effort should be spared to uphold the sanctity of our
gradually to the present system based on Electronic democratic institutions and to keep their uninterrupted
Voting Machines. Printed electoral rolls have now been functioning intact. The Election Commission, as an
substituted by computerized photo-electoral rolls. The independent entity has not only helped strengthen
Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), has been issued to democracy at home, but also enhanced the global
voters. Results are now declared in one day, as opposed prestige of India as a democracy. It has often been called
to phased announcements earlier. upon to share its experiences of the conduct of elections
in the world’s largest democracy with other countries.
There can, however, never be a time when one can I extend my warm greetings to members of election
say that our tasks are complete. We should also be management bodies of other countries who are here
constantly looking at how processes can be improved, today.
and how our democracy can be further strengthened.
Some of the persistent concerns are the criteria for Now the Election Commission is fulfilling the dream of
candidates to fight elections, so that criminals and other Mahatma Gandhi. At one stroke by giving voting rights,
such elements are debarred from contesting elections. the barriers of caste, creed, gender, rich and poor,
Good electoral practices and high conduct will attract religious discrimination all were brushed aside, and all
the youth as well as talented and capable people to came on one platform, and became the pillar of a robust
politics. The influence of money needs to be curbed. democracy. The Election Commission thus brought
Elections are not about buying votes, it is about selecting that dream into reality. With these words, I convey my
candidates committed to working for the aspirations of greetings to the Election Commission of India for the
the people and hence, eligible to be a representative gigantic mechanism and efforts put in for the smooth
of the people. Money can distort choices of the people, functioning of the electoral process, and wish it many
when voters are influenced through free distribution successful elections in the future.
of goods, or through distortion of perception through
paid news. I am sure that the Election Commission Thank You.
will continue to look at ways and means to make our Jai Hind!
electoral processes and procedures much more robust

National
Awards

2010 While State Awards are presented in the NVD
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Online Banking Payment System:

Sh. Rajesh Yadav, District Election Officer, Ajmer, Rajasthan
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Foolproof Security in Naxal

infested areas during polls:
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Use of MIS/GIS in Electoral

Management: Dr.Saumitra Mohan, District Election Officer,
Birbhum, West Bengal
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: CPF Management in Elections:

Sh. Nishant Tiwari, Superintendent of Police, Bettiah, Bihar
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Security Management in Naxal

Affected Area: Sh. Jayakumar Susairaj, Superintendent of Police,
Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Voters’ Education & Awareness:

Sh.Vijay Nehra, District Election Officer, Vadodara, Gujarat
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: Voter SMS system: Dr. P.B. Salim,

District Election Officer, Kozhikode, Kendo
 BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES: GIS for Electoral Nlanaoement of

Nleghalay: Sh. D.lfijay Kumar, District Election Officer, East Garo
Hills District, Meghalaya

Press
Release
Need to Curb Money Power in Elections &

Debarring Criminals Contesting Elections:
says President of India
ECI to set up Indian Institute of
Democracy and Election Management
T he President of India Smt. Pratibha

Devisingh Patil has emphasized the
need to curb the influence of money
debarred from contesting elections. Good
electoral practices and high conduct will
attract the youth as well as talented and
power in the elections besides looking capable people to politics. The influence
at the criteria for contesting candidates of money needs to be curbed. Elections
so that criminals are debarred from are not about buying votes, it is about
contesting elections. Electoral practices selecting candidates committed to
and procedures should be constantly be working for the aspirations of the people
improved to further strengthening our and hence, eligible to be a representative
democracy. Good electoral practices of the people.” The President was
and high conduct will attract the speaking at the valedictory function of
youth as well as talented and capable Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the
people to politics . “ We should also be Election Commission of India ( ECI) and
constantly looking at how processes can launch of National Voters’ day here today.
be improved, and how our democracy
can be further strengthened. Some of “Money can distort choices of the
the persistent concerns are the criteria people, when voters are influenced
for candidates to fight elections, so that through free distribution of goods, or
criminals and other such elements are through distortion of perception through
electoral rolls, a significant number of new voters do not

come on to the voters list for one reason or another,” she
added . Lauding the ECI for this initiative , she said that in
order to overcome this, the Commission has decided to
carry out a regular exercise to identify all eligible voters,
across the more than eight lakh polling stations in the
country, and give to them Election Photo Identity Cards
on 25th January at every polling station. To launch the
National Voters Day at the National level, the President
, on the occasion conferred the Electors Photo Identify
Cards to five young girls and boys , who turned 18 as on
1st January ,2011 and became the newly registered voters
on the first National Voters Day.
paid news. I am sure that the Election Commission Complimenting the ECI for the gigantic mechanism
will continue to look at ways and means to make our and efforts put in for the smooth functioning of the
electoral processes and procedures much more robust electoral process, the President said “Now the Election
and free of any malpractices,” the President said. “If Commission is fulfilling the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.
need be, necessary legislation and procedures must be At one stroke by giving voting rights, the barriers of caste,
introduced to achieve these objectives,” she added. creed, gender, rich and poor, religious discrimination all
were brushed aside, and all came on one platform, and
Commending the ECI’s role in conducting successfully became the pillar of a robust democracy. The Election
15 Lok Sabha and more than 300 elections to the State Commission thus brought that dream into reality.”
Legislative Assemblies in over last six decades, thereby
facilitating peacefully, orderly and democratic transfer In his welcome address , Dr S.Y. Quraishi , the Chief
of power, the President said this experience gained Election Commissioner ( CEC) said “The National Voters’
by the ECI has enabled it to improve and adopt latest Day is borne out of a deep concern of the Election
technological tools for enhancing quality and quantity of Commission of India to involve every Indian in the
its operations. democratic electoral process and to create a situation in
which each eligible person exercises his or her franchise,
The President expressed her happiness to commemorate in true blossoming of democracy.” He said that today,
the founding day of the Election Commission - the 25th at about 800,000 Polling Stations around the country,
of January - from now onwards, which will be observed exactly the same thing is happening, that newly eligible
as the National Voter’s Day every year, to spread and registered voters are being given their political
awareness among voters about effective participation empowerment by means of their Voter Identity Cards.
in the electoral process. “Comprehensive and correct They are also being administered pledge to “vote in
electoral rolls are the very foundation of a successful every election fearlessly and without being influenced
election. Every year a significant number of young people by considerations of religion, race, caste, community,
on attainment of 18 years of age also become eligible as language or any inducement”. They all have been given
voters. In spite of the annual exercise for the revision of a badge that reads “Proud to be a Voter, Ready to Vote”,

the CEC added. He further said that following the special of conserving trees with the usage of Electronic Voting
countrywide campaign in the just concluded revision Machines for election purposes.
of electoral rolls, 5.2 millions of youth who turned 18
as on 1st January have been additionally enrolled. The Smt. Ambika Soni , Minister of Information & Broadcasting
overall additional enrolment is 17 million. He hoped that in her address said that Election Commission has played
this initiative will give the youth a sense of citizenship, a crucial role in strengthening electoral processes and
empowerment, pride and participation and also inspire hoped that the new initiative will reinforce the trust of
them to exercise their franchise, when the occasion voters in the electoral process. She also assured to
comes. Commission’s objective is to use this occasion ECI the total support of media units under Ministry of
to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality and Information & Broadcasting in vigorously joining hands
thereby enhance the quality of Indian democracy. The with it to popularise its campaign “ Proud to be a Voter ,
day will also be utilized to spread awareness among Ready to Vote”. Smt Soni handed over the CD of a short
voters regarding effective participation in the electoral commemorative film on Indian Elections in the last 60
process, Dr Quraishi added. years, brought out with active support of Doordarshan, to
the Hon’ble President for releasing on the occasion.
Dr Quraishi also announced the decision of decision
of the ECI to consolidate the country’s election Shri V.S. Sampath , Election Commissioner gave the
management skills available from the polling station introduction of “ Best Electoral Practices Awards , which
level upwards at a central institute, named as the Indian were presented by the President to eight District Election
Institute of Democracy and Election Management - officers , Superintendents of Police for their efforts in
IIDEM. and build up a resource centre accompanied by introducing the innovative practices in conducting
in-depth documentation for learning by both national and elections in their respective Districts.
international practitioners of elections and related fields.
The function was attended by the leaders of all
While speaking on the occasion, Dr Veerappa Moily , National and State level Political parties, Constitutional
Minister for Law & Justice said that democracy in the and statutory authorities, former Chief Election
country has stood the test of time and we all are proud Commissioners and Election Commissioners ,
of it and new movement in the shape of “ National Voters members of the diplomatic corps and over 30 Heads of
Day” will take this message forward. He further said National Electoral Management Bodies from Sri Lanka,
that this day will provide impetus to the comprehensive Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan,
agenda set for Electoral Reforms by both Ministry of Law Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia,
& Justice and ECI. In order to take it forward , seven state Malaysia, USA, Mexico, Venezuela, Guyana, Russian
and one National level consultations with all stakeholders Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kenya,
are planned , out of which three consultations are already Namibia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Botswana.
held, he added. Representatives of International IDEA Sweden; IFES, USA,
AAEA, Taiwan; Malaysian Commonwealth Study Centre,
In her address, Smt. Meera Kumar, Speaker , Lok Sabha UK , University of North Carolina, USA also attended the
lauded the role of Election Commission in conducting function.
the free and fair elections in the country. She called the
elections conducted by ECI as “Green Elections” because
DIAMOND
JUBILEE
CELEBRATIONS
2010
Curtain President
Raiser162 Address164
Curtain
Raiser
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Election Commission of India Turns 60
President to Launch Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations
Heads of Electoral Bodies from across
the world to Participate

(ECI) will celebrate 60 years of its
constitution on 25th January 2010 as the
Bhawan, New Delhi. The Vice-President,
the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok
Sabha, Union Ministers of Law & Justice
Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. The office and Communications & Information
of the Election Commission was set up Technology, Leader of the Opposition in
on 25th January, 1950, while the rest of the Lok Sabha, Chairperson of the UPA
the Constitution came into force a day and Convener of NDA will share the dais.
after i.e. on 26th January, 1950. It is also
significant that Article 324 that created The leaders of all national and state
the Commission was one of those parties have been invited. The audience
exceptional provisions, which were given will also include about 40 heads of
effect as early as on 26 November, 1949, electoral bodies from across the world,
majority being from the Commonwealth
The President of India, Smt. Pratibha countries including the South Asian
Devisingh Patil, would inaugurate the neighbors
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations at Vigyan
Former President, Vice-President and Prime Ministers, the from across the world, senior officials of the Election
Council of Ministers, constitutional and other dignitaries, Commission of India, former CECs/ECs, and members
former Chief Election Commissioners, members of of the diplomatic corps will attend the daylong event.
diplomatic corps are also among those invited. The Symposium is expected to provide a platform for
an exchange of experience and expertise in election
On the occasion, the President would release a postage management and provide a roadmap for further
stamp, brought out by the Department of Posts, Ministry strengthening democratic processes at a global level.
of Communications & Information Technology, to mark
this historic anniversary. A book titled “Reinforcing The overwhelming response from world’s democratic
Indian Democracy – Lok Sabha Election 2009” would be nations to the occasion is seen as recognition of India’s
released by the Vice-President and the first copy of this democratic traditions and practices (List of Heads of
Delegations as available on date is annexed along with
250-page publication would be given in the hands of the countries and international agencies that they represent).
President. The Volume is a descriptive presentation with Several delegations have requested for bilateral
pictures and figures, of the massive electoral exercise discussions with the Election Commission during their
that was done for constituting the 15th Lok Sabha. The visit for sharing the Indian experience and processes of
President will also view a photo exhibition that provides a poll management. These meetings will be taken up on
perspective on 60 years of the Election Commission. 28th January 2010.
Followed by the inaugural function, the ECI is holding The theme chosen for the Diamond Jubilee year 2010 is,
an International Symposium on 27th January, 2010 on “Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy”. There
“Sharing Best Electoral Practices”. The components of would be yearlong events/ programmes covering areas
the Symposium are (i) Involving the Youth in Electoral like improvement in electors’ registration, expanding the
Process; (ii) Voters’ Education: New Ways & Alliances; coverage of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), voter-
(iii) Challenges in Management of Electoral Rolls; (iv) friendly measures, generating awareness among voters,
Innovative Practices in Election Management. Apart from mobilization of the youth and civil society partnership.
delegates from Electoral bodies and related agencies
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations » 163

President
Address
Ladies and Gentlemen, concepts and it is hard to imagine one

I am very happy to be here on the without the other. Democracy, the very
occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the essence of our Constitution, has become
Election Commission of India, just a our nation's identity.
day before when we will be celebrating
our Republic Day. Today's gathering, in Framed by men and women of
which a wide spectrum of our political remarkable intelligence, foresight and
leadership is participating, affirms our values, our Constitution bears a profound
deep faith in democracy. I understand imprint of the high ideals of our freedom
that representatives of electoral bodies struggle. In choosing democracy and by
Smt. Pratibha Devisingh
of other countries are also here. I warmly elaborating in detail the Fundamental
Patil
welcome them to our country. Rights, the framers of our Constitution
deeply embedded in our national ethos,
The Election Commission has been a the importance of the dignity of every
part of the journey of our Republic since individual. A natural extension of this basic
its very inception. It has been working approach was the inclusion of universal
with great responsibility from election to adult franchise in our Constitution, that
election and contributing to taking the gave from the very beginning, the right
nation forward step by step, from one to vote to every citizen of India - man
destination to another, from strength or woman, rich or poor, no matter to
to strength and bringing stability to our which caste or creed or religion he or
democratic system. We can be justifiably she belonged - they were all brought
proud that free and fair elections have together on one platform. The age-
been held with regularity in our country old inequalities were done away with
in the last six decades. India and and political equality was established
democracy have become intertwined throughout the length and breadth of the
country. This was an enlightened vision, particularly if we of the Election Commission is upheld at all times.
recall that in many countries different groups, especially
women, had to struggle to get their voting rights. Elections are the foundation stone of any democracy.
The conduct of free, fair and impartial elections depends
Our Constitution also set up independent and neutral much upon the performance of the three stakeholders.
institutions to ensure the continued existence of a They are - an independent and impartial electoral
democratic framework in the country. The Election machinery; political parties and candidates; and the
Commission of India is one such very important electorate. All of them must act responsibly. The Indian
constitutional body created under Article 324 of our election process has the Model Code of Conduct, that
Constitution. It has been entrusted with a range of lays down the norms of behaviour and actions which,
responsibilities for the conduct of elections in the country. parties and contesting candidates shall adhere to, at
Members of the State Legislative Assemblies, Members the time of elections. As it should, the Commission
of Parliament, the Vice-President and I myself, have come has been making every effort to create a level playing
through an election process which has been conducted field between various candidates and has earned
by the Commission. It is important that the independence the reputation of strictly and impartially monitoring
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations » 165

activities of candidates in constituencies through its countries. This requires that we should be aware of
Election Observers. The Commission has always been the impediments, the lacunae and malpractices in the
willing to use technology for modernization and for electoral process. These would have to be removed with
the better conduct of elections. In this context, over determination, to make our democracy cleaner, healthier
the years, several measures have been taken such as and stronger.
- computerization of electoral rolls and Photo Identity
Cards for voters. As we carry on with our work, we should not forget that
we swear by the Constitution, and therefore, we must
Elections are not a ritual, but a pathway on which adhere to its values, spirit and principles. Democracy
the people move with enthusiasm, expressing their adorns our Constitution. We have to see that the power
aspirations, hopes and desire, as they take forward this of voting vested in the people makes them powerful
great nation to peace and prosperity. With the size of our enough to change their own destiny through democracy
electorate increasing from 176 million in the first General and therefore, the importance of making democracy fully
Elections in the country in 1951-52, to 716 million in the participatory. There have been constant attempts and
15th General Elections held last year, the task of the I am confident that these will continue to be made, to
Election Commission has increased manifold. Today, our increasingly involve people in governance. Through the
electorate is almost equal to the combined population of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Local Urban Bodies, we
the European Union and of the United States. To organize have sought to deepen the reach of democracy. Their
elections for such a large voting population and in such a role and responsibility for executing programmes and
vast and difficult geographical area, requires exceptional schemes, particularly social and welfare schemes must
management and co-ordination. The General Elections increase. I am glad that the Election Commission has
conducted in May last year meant the setting up of 8 lakh chosen the theme, "Greater participation for a stronger
polling booths and the involvement of close to 5 million democracy", for its Diamond Jubilee Year. I hope that
polling staff. So meticulous were the arrangements, that a discussions under the rubric of this theme would be
polling booth was set-up even where there was only one fruitful.
voter. Another polling booth was established at a height
of 15,300 feet. The election process, in a country of more In the end, I once again extend my felicitations to the
than one billion people, was followed, the world over, Election Commission of India, for their achievements in
with great interest and admiration. Thus, not only, has the the 60 years of their existence. I am confident that the
Election Commission helped strengthen democracy at electoral process and democracy in India will continue to
home, but also helped to enhance the prestige of India's be strong and vibrant.
institutional mechanisms. It is for these reasons that the
Election Commission of India has been called upon often, Thank you.
to share its experiences about the conduct of elections
with other countries. Jai Hind.
India has impressive democratic credentials, but yet

has the challenge of becoming a "role model" for other
निर्वाचक द्वारा ली जाने वाली शपथ
हम, भारत के नागरिक, लोकतं त्र में अपनी पूर्ण आथा रखते हुए यह
शपथ लेते हैं कि हम अपने देश की लोकतांत्रिक परंपराओं की मर्यादा
को बनाए रखेंगे तथा वतं त्र, निपक्ष एवं शांतिपूर्ण निर्वाचन की गरिमा
को अक्षु ण रखते हुए, निर्भीक होकर, धर्म, मूलवं श, जाति, समुदाय
अथवा अय किसी भी प्रलोभन से प्रभावित हुए बिना सभी निर्वाचनों में
अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग करेंगे।
ELECTOR’S PLEDGE
We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith
in democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the
democratic traditions of our country and dignity
of free, fair and peaceful elections and to vote
in every election fearlesly and without being
influenced by religion, race, caste, community or
any inducement.

Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001
Website: https://eci.gov.in

Pledging To Vote: A Decadal Journey of The National Voters' Day in India

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PLEDGING TO

2021 2020 2019 2018

2017 2016 2015

2014 2013 2012 2011

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

Iam really glad to see that Commission’s publication ’Pledging

NVD celebration reminds us of our Constitutional Right of universal

National Voters’ Day 2022 » iii

I congratulate Sh Umesh Sinha, Secretary General, ECI, Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow,

iv « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

Iam indeed very happy to see that Commission’s publication

NVD Celebration is a very strategic and important initiative of the

The theme for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in 2010 was

National Voters’ Day 2022 » v

vi « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

Iam very happy that Commission’s document ‘Pledging to Vote-A

The Election Commission of India was established on 25th

Every year, a new theme is carefully identified for NVD celebrations

National Voters’ Day 2022 » vii

‘Pledging to Vote- A Decadal Journey of NVD in India’ presents a consolidated

I congratulate Sh Umesh Sinha, Secretary General, Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow

Anup Chandra Pandey

It is my proud privilege and pleasure to present that Commission’s

‘Pledging to Vote- A Decadal Journey of NVD in India’ presents a

NVD has been institutionalized over the years. It connects the

National Voters’ Day 2022 » ix

I am grateful to Sh Sushil Chandra, Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner,

I am thankful to Sh S D Sharma, Senior Fellow, ECI and former State Election

NVD’s Journey is a continuum as an integral part of electoral democracy in the country.

x « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

INTRODUCTION NVD NVD

NVD NVD NVD

NVD NVD NVD

NVD NVD NVD

National Voters’ Day 2022 » 1

Prologue the Council of Ministers, constitutional

A rticle 324 Part XV Elections of the

of India was one of the exceptional About 40 Heads of Election Management

Election Commission of India came into Hon’ble President released a postage

2 « Pledging to Vote—A Decadal Journey of the National Voters’ Day in India

Govt. of India, State Governments, State Election

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11th National Voters’ Day (NVD) to

E lection Commission of India

Honourable President of India,

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Making our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed » 9

and Elector Photo Identity Cards to five

Honourable Minister, Mr. Prasad will also

Commission during the event. Copies of

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CEC Shri Sunil Arora

Scan for Scan for

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ह मारे जीवं त लोकतन्त्र के सं चालन में चुनाव प्रक्रिया की

Making our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed » 13

विश्व भर में लोकतं त्र को मजबूती देने के ऐसे ही सराहनीय प्रयासों को

अमेरिका जो विकसित देशों की सूची में अग्रणी रहता है और जनतं त्र

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National Awards 2020-21