PARTICIPATION OF ALL IN ELECTORAL EXERCISE STRENGTHENS DEMOCRACY: GOVERNOR

Panaji: January 26, 2020 … Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Satya Pal Malik was the Chief Guest at the 10th National Voters Day celebrations held  at Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji recently. The function was organized by Office of the Chief Electoral Office, Goa in association with the District Electoral Officer, North Goa. The function was attended by large number of students, officials and persons from media. In the beginning National Anthem was played and Voters Pledge was administered.

Thereafter, Message from Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Sunil Aroraon the occasion of 10^th National Voters Day was screened.The theme for NVD 2020 is ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy’. The theme sets the tone for year-long activities which focus on voter education and renewal of citizens’ faith in the electoral process.

          Present on the occasion were State Election Commissioner, Shri R. K. Srivastava, Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai, Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Kunal, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Shri Narayan Sawant.

 Hon’ble Governor while addressing the gathering said that India is the largest democracy in the world. The voters are biggest stakeholders in the democracy and they should ensure that they cast their vote on merit and must see the program and policies of the candidates and political parties without getting influenced by caste, creed or religion. The exercise of elections aims participation of all the citizens, which he said will help to strengthen the democracy.The Governor also said right of voting is a weapon to decide between right and wrong and on the day of voting, everyone is equal and such an important right has to be exercised with proper care. He appealed to the people to participate in large number to exercise their voting right. He stressed upon the need for voter education and appreciated the efforts of Election Commission of India in this regard.

The State Election Commissioner Shri R. K.Srivastava appreciated the efforts of election machinery in Goa. He explained the difference between roles and responsibilities of Election Commission of India and State Election Commission. He stated that after 73^rd and 74^th Amendment to the Constitution of India, State Election Commission has been established to conduct elections to the Local Bodies Viz Zila Parishad, Municipalities, Panchayats. He requested all to participate in large number in upcoming Zila Parishad elections.

 The Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai congratulated the election machinery led by CEO Goa in successful conduct of Parliament Election, 2019 and being the first to complete Elector Verification Program. In his address he said that we have to congratulate ourselves for having the right to govern ourselves which is the strength of democracy. We derive this right from our Constitution. Our Constitution provides us the platform to live with liberty without any barrier of caste, creed, language and religion that’s why this day is very important for us. Along with this right, another strong right which we derive from Constitution is adult franchise,a right to vote irrespective of caste, religion, language, sex, race or community. This right we must exercise in every election.Shri Parimal Rai also said that a right without responsibilities would make it an authoritarian society and responsibilities without rights leads to bonded labour. Therefore while enjoying rights we cannot overlook our responsibilities. So it our bounden duty to participate in the process of election and make proper choice based on merits.   

Shri Kunal,Chief Electoral Officer in his welcome address welcomed all the dignitaries and explained in brief the activities of election machinery in last one year. He stated that great emphasis was laid on accessible and eco-friendly conduct of Parliament Election, 2019. He thanked all NGOs working in the field of accessibility, Social Welfare Department and Public Works Department in ensuring maximum tagging of Persons with Disabilities in electoral roll and also in creating Assured Minimum Facilities in all polling stations. He further stated that with intervention of Chief Secretary, sufficient number of wheelchairs have been procured to ensure availability of wheelchairs at every location. These wheelchairs have now been distributed to all public institutions to ensure accessibility in Goa.

 The State NVD Awards for the Best Electoral Practices were conferred on District and State level Officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach. First time voters were felicitated and prizes were given to the winners of essay competition. Similarly state icons and state level award winners were felicitated during the voter’s day celebrations.

Hon’ble Governor of Goa Shri. Satyapal Malik released the colourful State Document for 2019 Parliament Election in Goa. It comprises of the entire State profile and all aspects of the General Election to Lok Sabha 2019 conducted by State of Goa.

Best DEO, ERO, AERO, BLO were given awards based on their meritorious performance in the Lok Sabha Elections while judging on the parameters of Electoral Roll management, SVEEP, voter enrollment, turnout etc.

 Hon’ble Governor of Goa presented Special Awards to the National level award nominees.

 Disability Rights Association of Goa, Goa Deaf Association, Public Works Department, Social Welfare Department were given special recognition awards for their contribution in Accessible elections.

 Awards were given to the Best Electoral Literacy Clubs and student members of the ELCs along with the Nodal Officers and Campus ambassadors as the theme of this year’s NVD is Electoral Literacy for stronger democracy.

 List of Award Winners