KATHUA, SEPTEMBER 18: In anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Demonstration and Voter Awareness Program was organized today at Government Higher Secondary School, Mahanpur.
The program, part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, was conducted under the supervision of Returning Officer Basohli, Anil Kumar Thakur.
The event featured a variety of activities aimed at fostering electoral awareness, including a first-hand experience with the EVM, a Nukkad Natak, speeches on voter education by students of Classes 11 and 12, and a cultural program centered on the theme Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy.
The highlight of the program was the hands-on experience provided to first-time voters, future voters, community members, as well as ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Booth Level Officers from nearby polling stations. Attendees learned about the basic functioning of the EVM, including its key components—the Control Unit (CU), VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail), and Ballot Unit (BU). They were also informed about the various forms of identification that can be used on Election Day and the roles of different polling officers responsible for conducting the election.
The program also facilitated interactions with AC Nodal Officer SVEEP 65-Basohli, Dr. Roshan Lal, and the School Principal Tilak Raj, who engaged with the audience to further promote voter education.
Zonal Magistrate Rohit Billowari, Sector Officer Sanjeev Singh Andotra, and BLO Supervisor Rajesh Dogra were present, adding their insights to the program.
The event concluded with a joint pledge-taking ceremony, where all attendees committed to participating in the electoral process with responsibility and dedication.
