Around 97,000 individuals participated in a unique ‘parents-teachers meeting (PTM) on voting’ in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, committing to vote in the Dhanbad and Giridih constituencies.

Simultaneously, 1.51 lakh rural women from various Self Help Groups (SHGs) convened to discuss strategies for ensuring the success of the upcoming polling day on May 25.

The objective of this extensive voter awareness campaign is to maximize awareness about the election day among the populace. According to District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Jadhav Vijaya Narayan Rao, approximately 2.5 lakh people participated in these meetings, with 796 villages represented by the women and 1,590 schools hosting the PTM.

In the 2019 general elections, Bokaro recorded a 51% voter turnout, prompting the administration to implement multiple initiatives to enhance participation. The district encompasses two parliamentary constituencies – Dhanbad and Giridih, with 18.35 lakh and 22.48 lakh voters, respectively.

Jharkhand’s Lok Sabha elections will take place over four phases on May 13, 20, 25, and June 1.

In addition to the participation of 1,51,732 rural women from 14,700 SHGs in the ‘Meeting on Voting’ program, 97,000 parents from 1,590 schools emphasized their commitment to voting during the PTM.

Various discussions during these meetings covered topics such as voter registration, necessary documentation, polling booth identification, and reporting electoral malpractices.

Furthermore, efforts have been made to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, including the provision of wheelchairs, tricycles, and ‘Divyang’-friendly polling booths.

Under the Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), initiatives like electoral literacy camps and ‘democratic’ classrooms have been established to promote voter education and awareness.

Various tools such as the Voter Helpline App and C-Vigil App are available to address polling-related issues and report violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

Additional provisions include autorickshaws with volunteers to assist the elderly, separate queues, and priority access for disabled and senior voters, as well as facilities such as sheds, chairs, and parking at urban polling stations.

Source: PTI

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