The State Consultation on Voter Awareness took place on April 26, 2024, at Ranchi Press Club, Jharkhand, organised by Jharkhand Election Watch, Manthan Yuva Sansthan Trust, and SVEEP. The event aimed to stimulate dialogue, inspire action, and introduce technological innovations to enhance voter awareness. Attended by diverse audience including students, professors, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and media personnel, the consultation fostered discussions crucial to strengthening democratic practices.
Distinguished Panel of Speakers
The consultation featured a panel of esteemed personalities renowned for their contributions to electoral processes:
• Mr. Dinesh Kumar Yadav, DDC-cum-Nodal-SVEEP: An advocate for electoral integrity and reforms. He has significantly influenced election procedures to ensure they are free and fair.
• Mr. Sudhir Kumar Pal: A leader in advocating for tribal rights and civic engagement. He has played a pivotal role in empowering marginalized communities.
• Mr. Amarkant, Secretary of Ranchi Press Club: His extensive experience continues to refine electoral transparency and accessibility.
Session 1: Role of Media & Civil Society on Free & Fair Elections - Possibilities & Ways Ahead
Moderated by Mr. Sudhir Kumar Pal, this session explored the vital roles of media and civil society in ensuring transparency and enhancing voter engagement. Participants exchanged perspectives on upholding integrity and transparency in electoral processes. Mr. Sudhir Pal emphasized, "Media and civil society serve as the watchdogs of democracy. Their role in educating and informing the public is paramount."
Mr. Dinesh Kumar Yadav concluded the session by acknowledging the participants' contributions, stating, "Today's event has shed light on critical issues and paved the way for actionable solutions towards enhanced voter awareness and engagement." He encouraged continued active participation in democracy, affirming that collective efforts are crucial in shaping India's democratic future.
Session 2: Ethical Voting Campaign: All about Apps
Led by Shubham Prasad from ADR New team, this session focused on educating voters about election-related apps such as cVIGIL, Myneta, Saksham, and Voter Helpline. Through detailed presentations and live demonstrations, participants learned how these apps facilitate informed voting and enhance electoral transparency. The session underscored the role of technology in empowering citizens and strengthening democratic processes.
Online Essay Competition Award Ceremony: Winners of the "Hum Vote Karenge" (We will Vote) online essay competition, organised from 23rd April to 25th April 2024, were felicitated by Mr. Dinesh Kumar Yadav, DDC-cum-Nodal-SVEEP, and Mrs. Chhamdosree Thakur from Jharkhand Election Watch. The winners were awarded certificates and monetary prizes as tokens of appreciation for their effort and achievement. Mr. Md. Israil from Godda secured the first position, followed by Ms. Rajni Kumari from Marwari College in second Position, and Mr. Pandey Ritik Raj from Central University of Jharkhand in third Position.
