Sweep program to be implemented across the state for public awareness of new voters – Chief Electoral Officer Shrikant Deshpande.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will conduct an awareness program on ‘Voter Systematic Education and Participation’ (SWEEP) in the state to disseminate election information to new voters. Since inclusive participation is the essence of democracy, it is necessary to work together to create awareness among the masses through the active participation of various elements such as government-semi-government departments, non-governmental organizations, autonomous organizations, youth, women, the disabled, third parties, rural-urban citizens, tribals and migrants. Chief Electoral Officer Shrikant Deshpande said that the planned program will be planned in collaboration with all the departments.
A seminar was organized on the implementation of the ‘Sweep’ program for systematic voter education and electoral participation through an audio-visual medium. State Sweep Advisor Mr Dilip Shinde, Secretary and Director General of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations Dr Dilip Pandharpatte, Director Ganesh Ramdas, Integrated Child Development Project Commissioner Rubel Agarwal, Social Justice Commissioner Omprakash Deshmukh, Tribal Development Commissioner Hiralal Sonawane, Labor Deputy Secretary Dadasaheb Khatal, Agriculture Department Sarita Deshmukh, Rural Development Department, Revenue Department, AIDS Control Agency and various Representatives of social organizations were present.
Chief Electoral Officer Shrikant Deshpande said, “Participation is an important factor in a democracy and it is possible only with the participation of every department.” Awareness needs to be created under the Voter Awareness Forum (VAF) on how to register new voters, delete names, change names or make other changes. He said that for this, dignitaries from various fields, organizations working for women and the disabled, organized and unorganized workers, youth, professors, activists working for the deprived sections, it is necessary to work together.
Each government and semi-government department should select one officer as the nodal officer for the sweep event. The Rural Development Department should organize a special Gram Sabha on the occasion of Constitution Day and read the lists of voters in it so that the voters who do not have names can be informed. He also said that each department should carry out awareness programs with the active participation of its officers and employees. He said suggestions from various departments would also be considered.
Secretary and Director General of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations Dr Dilip Pandharpatte said that various initiatives regarding voter awareness will be given publicity through the Directorate General. Information can be disseminated to the voters through various social media. He also said that the Lokrajya magazine would give special publicity to the sweep program.
Sweep Advisor Dilip Shinde said that it was necessary to conduct voter awareness programs together for democratic empowerment. He also said that various departments should implement various initiatives, actively participate in them so that the last element can be reached.
Sweep event icon Rahi Sarnobat, an internationally renowned shooter, will be able to inform athletes and new voters about the sweep event through banners in sports competitions. They can also use various mobile apps of the Election Commission of India. He also said that the cooperation of dignitaries or players from various fields could be sought for the dissemination of a video or message through digital media.
