Shillong ( Meghalaya), Nov 1 : The State Level Function for launching Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls w.r.t 1.1.2022 as the qualifying date and the Publication of Integrated Draft Electoral Rolls was held at the State Headquarters of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides Auditorium.
The function was held in the presence of F. R. Kharkongor, Chief Electoral Officer, Ms. I Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Additional CEOs, B. M. Mawlong, A. M. Sangma and representatives of National Political parties, State Political Parties recognized parties& BLOs
In his keynote address the Chief Electoral Officer emphasized on the importance of the current Summary Revision as it is a precursor to 2023, in the context of Elections being only 14 months away.It was highlighted that presently the State’s Electorate stands at 20,35,909 and the enrolment gap in the 18-19 age category is 1,26,315 and amongst the 20-29 age category is 48263 respectively.
The CEO also called for the cooperation of the political parties in ensuring the bridging of the enrolment gap through BLAs (Booth Level Assistants). It was also highlighted by CEO that the number of polling stations has increased by 141 Polling stations to 3335 from 3194 Polling Stations earlier. The CEO conveyed the challenges of the electoral exercise which is being undertaken in the midst of Covid-19 and the requirement for rationalization of polling stations to ensure that no polling stations should be over crowded. The CEO also focused on the use of technology which has been developed by the Election Commission of India and launched such as the user friendly Voter Helpline App (VHA) which offers a number of electoral services such as online enrolment, digital voter slip, know your candidate, election results, election status, filing complaints, etc which a voter can easily access. The online registration only takes 5 minutes. It was also indicated that there will be special campaign on Nov 13 & 20 next .
In conclusion the CEO stressed on the importance of the current exercise as “ there can be no poll without Roll” and the need to ensure that “ no voter should be left behind “
In the rural areas, the services of the CSCs (Common Service Centres) will also be roped in to facilitate online enrolment. Specially created SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation Programme) creatives and SSR videos leveraging on Meghalaya’s iconic Democracy Bus also released by the CEO in the presence of the DC, Election Officials and political party representatives. A copy of the draft electoral rolls was also handed to all the political party representatives. ,BLO health kits were also distributed to some BLOs at the above State level programme .
The others who spoke at the programme include the DC, EKH who underscored that all efforts will be undertaken by the District Election Machinery to bridge the gap in East Khasi Hills , which cumulatively accounts for the largest number of electorates spread over its 15 Assembly Constituencies
