Rajouri city intensifies voter awareness campaign

Rajouri, September 19: In anticipation of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, a district-wide voter awareness drive was launched in Rajouri district today under the leadership of District Returning Officer Abhishek Sharma and District Liaison Officer (SVEEP) Bishamber Dass (CEO Rajouri).

The event targeted different constituencies to increase electoral knowledge and encourage voter participation, a press release said.

Unique initiatives of AC-83 Kalakote-Sunderbani included a signature drive on the theme of ‘Democracy Wall’ organized by GHS Massiote where students and faculty pledged to support democratic values. SVEEP team members Muddasir Mughal and Deepak Kumar conducted awareness talks highlighting the importance of voting and electoral literacy.

At AC-84 Nowshera, a meeting was held at GMS Pind Narian supervised by Liaison Officer SVEEP JP Singh.

The meeting focused on how to increase voter turnout in polling stations with low voter turnout. The meeting directed the polling station officers (BLOs) to work with the BAG team to improve voter participation.

A mega voter awareness drive was held at Sagote village in AC-85 Rajouri, attracting more than 220 participants including students, faculty members and local residents.

The event included an awareness rally, an oath-taking ceremony and a door-to-door voter outreach. The SVEEP team also launched a balloon campaign at Gujjar Mandi Square with slogans like “Your Vote, Your Voice” printed on the balloons to attract passers-by and promote voter participation.

The creative activity was led by Liaison Officer SVEEP Rakesh Kumar Sharma in collaboration with district SVEEP team members Mohammad Ayaz Raina and Aejaz-ul-Haq.

Prof. Tahir Nadeem, Nodal Officer of SVEEP 86-Budhal Parliamentary Constituency, conducted a Voter Awareness Lecture at Nazaramabad Model College, Koteranka.

During the event, students and faculty pledged to uphold democratic principles and vote fairly.

Besides, a quiz contest on the electoral process was held at Government High School, Chambitrar, where teams led by Amjid Ali, Shazaib Altaf and Bilal Ahmed won first, second and third prizes respectively. In addition, a voter turnout assessment was conducted at 108-Gundha polling station with a focus on addressing the issue of low voter participation. A polling station level awareness group (BAG) was assigned to strengthen voter awareness efforts at the local level.