Empowering First Time Female Voters: Mega Awareness Program under SVEEP held at Bandipora

BANDIPORA, APRIL 02 (RNA) : As part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, District Administration Bandipora on Tuesday organized a mega awareness program for first time voters at Mini Secretariat Bandipora. The program started with an engaging and informative interaction of District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman with the participants aimed at empowering young women who are preparing to cast their votes for the first time. While interacting with the first-time female voters, the DEO highlighted the value of informed decision-making and responsible voting. On the occasion, Kindergartens from various schools joined hands to celebrate and support first-time female voters by presenting them flowers. This heart-warming gesture was aimed to recognize the importance of participation of first-time female voters in the electoral process and to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in exercising their democratic right. Later, an awareness programme was held in conference hall mini secretariat Bandipora which was presided over by Dy DEO Bandipora, Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat and was attended by first time female voters, ASHA Workers and the staff to be deployed for pink polling stations. Addressing the gathering, the Dy DEO highlighted the role of Booth Level Awareness Groups (BAGs) for ethical voting campaign and in facilitating voters besides emphasizing their role in awareness generation among voters. The program also witnessed demonstrations and training to female employees for handling EVMs and other polling equipment aimed at ensuring smooth and efficient operations during the polling process. Among others, the program was attended by Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Dr. G. M. Pujoo; District Level Master Trainer, Mohammad Iqbal Samoon; Coordinator SVEEP activities Arsallan Habib and other concerned.