NT24 News : MEETING HELD TODAY WITH THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL AND COLLEGES

ACEO, DC UT, MEETING HELD TODAY WITH THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL AND COLLEGES

National Tele24 News

Vinay Kumar

Chandigarh

A meeting was held today at UT Guest House under the Chairmanship of Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Additional Chief Electoral Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, U.T. Chandigarh, with the principals of various schools and colleges in Chandigarh. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss SVEEP activities (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) being undertaken by various educational institutions to propel youth who have turned18 by1st January, 2019 to enroll themselves as 1st time voters and attain their voter cards, motivate parents to exercise their right to vote and seek suggestions on how Schools and Colleges can take the lead in increasing voter turnout during the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections on 19 May, 2019.  During the meeting, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar emphasized that children are the most effective mediums for motivating and convincing their family members and neighbours to vote and be responsible citizens. Every student can carry back a message to urge their family and society at large to fulfil their duty towards the country and participate in the biggest festival called the elections of the largest democracy of the world.” Sh. Brar further informed that individuals from all sections of the society are taking part in this celebration of democracy by motivating citizens through their own unique initiatives. Bankers are ensuring that people invest in the future of their country by putting up election related banners & standees at their premises and atms. Hospitality Industry is promoting, "Eat pure, Vote for sure" by offering discounts and special privileges to those who vote, whereas the Medical fraternity has put the stamp of "Voting is a must for a healthier democracy" on their OPD cards, bills and receipts. During the meeting, a Sankalp Patr or letter of "Chandigarh hai Tayar" that has been prepared under the SVEEP programme was shared with the members. The letter will be distributed among kids in schools and colleges who will take them home and get it signed from their parents, seeking their assent to vote on the day of Elections, 19 May, 2019. Other suggestions discussed were reaching out to parents on the day of Parent's Teacher Meet, hands on training of the EVM/VVPAT machines in schools and colleges, display of art work prepared by the students and information on Election 2019 outside schools, special assignments or project work given to children related to voting, slogan & poster making, dissemination of information on importance of voting through School Electoral Literacy Clubs, messages and quotes displayed on notification boards, and street plays performed by students in their neighbourhood. Among those present during the meeting were Smt. Navjot Kaur, PCS, Nodal Officer SVEEP, Sh. Rubinderjit Singh Brar, PCS, Director School Education and Smt. Radhika Singh, HCS, Nodal Officer SVEEP.