Page 125 - Leap of Faith Vol - 2

Vision for a new century Chapter 5

Laying the Foundation Stone of
Indian International Institute of
Democracy and Election
Management (IIIDEM)

th
V.S. Sampath assumed the office of the 18 Chief Election
NATIONAL VOTERS' DAY Commissioner of India on June 11, 2012. His focus was on
The National Voters' Day (NVD) was instituted in 2011 inclusive voting and bolstering electoral participation in
to focus attention on maximising enrollment of eligible consultation with the stakeholders. In April, 2013 the
voters and spread general awareness about exercising the SVEEP entered its second phase, which involved targeted
right to franchise. It is held annually on January 25, approach towards bridging the various gaps so identified.
coinciding with the foundation day of Election A structured framework including polling station-wise
Commission of India. On that day the first time voters situation analysis, planning & implementation, review and
are handed over their Electors Photo Identity Card regular evaluation was put in place. Content development
(EPIC) from the polling stations across the country. for the neo-literate and non-literate was undertaken.
Collective pledges to vote without fear or favour are also rd
administered. There is a special focus on young and first The 3 National Voters' Day was celebrated on a large
time voters, women voters, and Persons with Disabilities scale across the country on January 25, 2013. It had
(PwD) category. The main event is held in New Delhi. become flagship programme of the Election Commission.
Successive Presidents of India have addressed the same as Themed “Inclusion” it was held in more than 6.5 lakh
the Chief Guest. The Hon'ble President also confers locations across the country, covering nearly 8.5 lakh
Best Electoral Practices Awards to District Collectors, polling stations. Around 46,000 educational institutions
Superintendent of Police and other concerned officers also celebrated the day, and around 4,687 Youth Voter
who have contributed towards making elections free, Festivals were held across the country around the time to
fair, participatory, ethical and peaceful. engage youth in the registration process.

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