DEO Kathua celebrates 16th National Voters’ Day

Kathua : District Election Office Kathua Sunday observed the 16th National Voters’ Day by organising an awareness programme at the Auditorium Hall of Government Degree College (Boys), Kathua, with the objective of promoting democratic values and encouraging informed electoral participation, particularly among youth.
The proceedings were formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, ADDC Kathua, Surinder Mohan Sharma, who kick-started the programme by lighting the traditional lamp.
ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, ERO Kathua Vishav Partap Singh (ACR), ERO Jasrota Akhil Sadotra (ACD), CPO Ranjeet Thakur, RTO Surinder Sharma, Dy DEO Nagesh Singh, ENT Manjula Rattan, other district officers and a large number of college and school students were present on the occasion.
As part of the event, a symposium was organised in which students from various schools and colleges actively participated and deliberated on the importance of voting, ethical electoral participation and the role of youth in strengthening democracy. Skits and Nukkad Natak presented by students effectively conveyed messages on voter awareness, inclusiveness and informed participation.
A signature campaign was also conducted during the programme, wherein participants expressed their commitment towards strengthening the democratic process. Besides, a Voters’ Pledge was administered, reaffirming the resolve of participants to uphold democratic values and exercise their franchise responsibly.
In the symposium competition, Lakshmi from GDC Women secured the first position, Nancy Kangotra of Learning Temple School secured the second position, while Suman Sharma of GDC Kathua was adjudged third. Consolation prizes were also awarded to other participants. All participants of the skits and Nukkad Natak were also felicitated for their performances.
Addressing the gathering, ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma appealed to the people, especially first-time voters, to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote responsibly. He highlighted the vital role of Electoral Registration Officers and the ongoing Continuous Electoral Registration exercise, urging all eligible citizens to ensure their enrolment in the electoral rolls. He further emphasised that active participation of young voters and maximum voter turnout are essential for electing the right representatives and strengthening democratic institutions.
On the occasion, the District Election Office Kathua felicitated the ERO Kathua and ERO Barnoti, ENT Kathua besides appreciating the efforts of the staff of the Election Department. The contributions of various departments associated with election-related awareness campaigns were also acknowledged.