Rajasthan Election Department Unveils Voter Literacy Club Initiative in Schools
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Synopsis
On February 17, the Rajasthan Election Department launched a campaign to develop and enhance Voter Literacy Clubs in schools, aimed at educating young students about their responsibilities as future voters and promoting active electoral participation.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of Voter Literacy Clubs (ELC) in schools
- Focus on educating students about democracy and voting
- Pre-registration encouraged for students turning 17
- Integration of ELC activities into Shivira Calendar
- Recognition for top-performing schools on National Voters' Day
Jaipur, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Election Department has initiated a campaign aimed at establishing, enhancing, and managing Voter Literacy Clubs (ELC) in both government and private higher secondary schools throughout the state.
This initiative is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formed between the Election Commission of India and the Ministry of Education. The main goal of this campaign is to equip young students to become responsible future voters by informing them about democracy and the electoral process, while motivating them to actively engage in elections.
Under the leadership of Chief Electoral Officer Naveen Mahajan and in collaboration with the School Education Department - Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been crafted to guarantee the effective operation and oversight of ELCs at various levels including PEEO, UCEEO, block, district, and state.
To ensure that the motto of No Voter Should Be Left Behind is realized, students are being educated about the four annual voter eligibility dates: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
Students who are turning 17 are encouraged to pre-register as voters, ensuring they are ready to cast their votes upon reaching the age of 18.
ELCs in schools foster ethical voting through interactive activities such as dramas, speeches, songs, poems, and the voting oath prescribed by the Election Commission.
Moreover, students partake in awareness sessions regarding democracy, the electoral process, and the Model Code of Conduct.
According to the new SOP, the Education Department will incorporate ELC activities into its Shivira Calendar starting from the upcoming academic year.
The District Election Office is also engaged in online monitoring of ELC-related data through the Shala Darpan portal and the Private School portal.
To promote participation, the top-performing school ELC heads and institutions will be recognized at both the block and district levels during the forthcoming National Voters' Day.
Furthermore, ERO officers and District Election Officers demonstrating the best overall performance will be acknowledged at the state level.
