SRINAGAR: The 15th ‘National Voters Day’ (NVD) was today celebrated across all the districts of Kashmir to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established on 25th January 1950.
The National Voters Day is observed annually on 25 January to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process. Dedicated to the voters, the National Voters’ Day is also used to facilitate enrolment of voters, especially the newly eligible young voters.
The theme for this year, ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure,’ resonated throughout the events, emphasizing the importance of electoral participation.
At Shopian, National Voters’ Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Shopian, focusing on encouraging voter participation and raising awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy.
At the outset of the event, MLA Shopian & Deputy Commissioner Shopian administered the NVD Pledge to participants, including officers, officials, the public, students, and new voters. This pledge aims to promote electoral awareness and encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process.
The event was attended by MLA Zainapora as the chief guest, who expressed commitment to accelerating public welfare and appreciated the people of Shopian for exercising their franchise in record numbers in Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar expressed gratitude to voters and the election machinery for participating & conducting fair and peaceful elections.
The celebration included the felicitation of newly registered voters, distribution of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), and recognition of Officers and officials for their exemplary work during recently conducted elections.
A short documentary showcasing the impactful conduct of elections in the district was also telecasted on the occasion.
ADDC Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone; ADC, Dr.Zakir Hussain Faaz; ACR, ACD, DTO, CEO, other district and tehsil officers also attended the function.
At Budgam, the main function for National Voters Day was held today at the Conference Hall Budgam which was chaired by the District Election Officer/Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC deliberated on the importance of celebrating the National Voters Day and said that the right to vote empowers citizens to exercise his/her franchise for nation building and for making the democracy strong.
He said that this day provides us an opportunity to reach out to the new voters for enrolment in electoral rolls so that they are able to take part in the Democratic process.
The DC lauded the tireless efforts of all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other field functionaries for their dedicated work during the Parliamentary and Assembly elections of 2024. He commended their unwavering commitment and zeal in ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process. Their hard work played a pivotal role in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level, he said.
Labroo emphasised the importance of such dedication in upholding the elections and encouraged continued excellence in future endeavors.
On the occasion, ACR, CPO, CEO, Dy. Election officer, Dysp Hq, Officers from police and District administration , BLOs ,and all other participants took pledge to participate in the election process free and fairly and vowed to contribute in making the nation strong by using their franchise.
Similar Functions were also held at Townhall Budgam, SDM offices, Tehsil Offices, PHE, Social welfare, District handicraft office, labour office, Chief Medical Officer’s office and all other office’s of the District, where in Pledges were taken with regard to the celebration of 15th National Voters’ Day .
On the occasion, painting and essay competitions were also held in almost all schools of District Budgam, in which a huge number of student participants were enthusiastically seen participating to celebrate National voters day.
At Anantnag, National Voters’ Day was celebrated with grandeur across the district with events aimed to promote electoral awareness, encourage voter participation, and celebrate the democratic spirit of the nation.
The main event was organized at GDC Women, Anantnag, with the DEO, SF. Hamid presiding as the chief guest. The program witnessed active participation from various dignitaries, including the Deputy DEO, Nodal Officer SVEEP, electoral staff, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), students, and members of civil society.
Addressing the gathering, DEO emphasized the importance of National Voters’ Day in strengthening democratic values. He urged the youth to actively participate in the electoral process, highlighting their role in shaping the future of the nation.
The celebrations began with a pledge-taking ceremony led by the DEO, where participants reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic principles and voting responsibly.
The event featured a variety of cultural programs, including folk dances, skits, and street plays, which effectively conveyed the message of electoral participation and were appreciated for their engaging presentations.
A special awareness drive targeting differently-abled voters was also launched to ensure inclusivity. Volunteers assisted them in understanding the voting process and accessing polling facilities, reinforcing the district administration’s commitment to leaving no voter behind.
Similar celebrations were held at block and tehsil levels, ensuring district-wide participation. The collective efforts of the district administration, educational institutions, and civil society made the celebrations a resounding success.
At Pulwama, a grand celebration event was held at Pulwama to mark 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD) today, to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established on 25th January 1950.
The programme began with the Deputy District Election Officer emphasizing the importance of the day and the transformative power of each individual’s vote in shaping democracy.
The event featured a variety of cultural performances, including folk songs, student speeches and traditional Ladisha, which inspired and motivated attendees to actively participate in elections.
Addressing the gathering, District Election Officer (DEO), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, commended the remarkable increase in voter turnout during the preceding Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections. He urged unregistered electors to enroll at the earliest and stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive and participatory democracy.
The DEO also shed light on the democratic values and the need for citizens, particularly the youth, to exercise their voting rights. Emphasis was placed on the role of voters in shaping the nation’s destiny and the importance of electoral participation for a vibrant democracy.
Earlier, the DEO led participants in taking the Voter’s Pledge, committing to exercise their right to vote without bias or discrimination based on religion, race, caste, community or language.
As a gesture of appreciation, mementos and certificates were distributed to Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), EROs, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), election staff, trainers, supervisors, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for their outstanding performance in the previous elections. Felicitations were also extended to First time voters and students.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the vital role each voter plays in upholding and strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.
At Ganderbal, the National Voters’ Day (NVD) was today celebrated across district Ganderbal by holding pledge taking ceremonies and other activities at various levels.
In this regard, a main event was organized in the Conference Hall of Mini Secretariat Ganderbal in which District Election Officer (DEO) Ganderbal, Shyambir administered the NVD Pledge to all the participants.
SSP Ganderbal, Ragav S, Assistant Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmad, CPO, SDM Kangan, ACD and other district and sectoral officers were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC commended the efforts of the officers and officials engaged in the year, 2024 election process in Ganderbal, highlighting their dedication to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process without any complaints of irregularities.
The event also featured speeches by students, who underscored the importance of voting in a democracy. They encouraged the youth to recognize their role as architects of the nation’s future and highlighted the transformative power of casting a vote.
Later, a felicitation ceremony was also held during which several officers engaged with the election process in the district were felicitated. The students who spoke during the event were also felicitated.
At Kulgam, a grand function was held at New Conference Hall mini-secretariat Kulgam to commemorate the 15th National Voters Day.
The District Election Officer, Athar Aamir Khan presided over the event. He deliberated on the importance of celebrating the National Voters Day and said that the right to vote empowers citizens to exercise his/her franchise for nation building and for making the democracy strong.
DEO added that every single vote counts and is important for the government formation, and people must exercise this right responsibly and realize the power at their hands.
Earlier the DEO appreciated the role of the District Election Cell for conducting the Lok Sabha and Assembly Election smoothly.
The best performing Officers including Returning Officers, ARO’s Master trainers, BLO’s and Operators were given certificates & mementos.
DEO also administered the pledge to the participants for casting their vote free and fairly.
The event was attended by Dy-DEO, ACR, ACD, ACP, CEO District/Sector Officers senior citizens, BLOs, Newly enrolled voters and students.
At Kupwara, 15th National Voters Day was today celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across various locations in district Kupwara with the main function held at the Boys Higher Secondary School Kupwara, where Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kupwara, Ms. Ayushi Sudan presided over the event.
Senior officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, M Rouf Rehman; Dy. DEO, CEO, ROs of AC Kupwara & AC Trehgam and other senior officers, besides, electoral staff, large number of students and newly registered voters were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the DC administered the Voters’ Pledge to the participants including officers and students.
In her address, the DC highlighted the significance of voting in a democracy and the role of citizens in strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation. She also highlighted the efforts of the District Administration for ensuring successful conduct of the recent elections of Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the district and expressed gratitude towards all stakeholders including officers and employees of different departments for fair and transparent conduct of the elections.
Various other speakers including ADC Kupwara, Dy. DEO, ACR, CEO and first time voters also spoke and emphasized the importance of NVD and the voting process in the democracy.
Cultural variety programmes were also presented by the students of different schools.
Events under National Voters Day were also held in subdivisions, tehsils, Block and panchayat levels to uphold democratic values and participate responsibly in the electoral process.
At Bandipora, National Voters’ Day-2025 was today celebrated with great zeal at the Auditorium N.M. Higher Secondary School Kaloosa.
The programme was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, and witnessed the participation of Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Mohammad Ashraf Bhatt, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Zaffar Husson Shawl, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, District Information Officer, Nodal Officer SVEEP, Youth, students and other district and sectoral officers.
Padmashree Faisal Ali Dar and Nazir Ahmad, Brand Ambassadors for SVEEP activities, also marked their presence at the event.
The programme commenced with the administration of the National Voters’ Day pledge, which was taken by all attendees to reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles.
Speaking on the occasion, DC highlighted that National Voters’ Day is a celebration of democracy and an opportunity to inspire citizens, especially the youth, to actively participate in the electoral process.
Qadri acknowledged the dedication of election workers, including BLOs and Anganwadi workers, whose tireless efforts ensure the smooth conduct of elections and reiterated the importance of National Voters’ Day as a platform to educate and inspire citizens, particularly the youth, about the value of their vote in fostering a strong and vibrant democracy.
On the occasion, a multilingual National Voters’ Day song was showcased to raise awareness about the importance of voting besides EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Cards) were distributed among newly registered voters.
The programme also witnessed distribution of mementos among BLOs and officers in recognition of their commendable work during the General Elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly.
During the programme, the DC along with other senior officers released a coffee table book which highlighted the various election related activities carried out in the District.
Following the National Voters’ Day celebrations, DC flagged-off a marathon to promote voter awareness and inspire citizens, especially the youth, to understand the power of their vote.
The marathon, which started from N.M. Higher Secondary School Kaloosa, concluded at S.K. Stadium Bandipora.
The National Voters’ Day pledge was also administered across all government offices in Bandipora, ensuring comprehensive participation in the celebration of this significant day.
At Baramulla, the event marked with a series of vibrant activities aimed at promoting voter awareness and encouraging greater participation in the democratic process.
A mega Tiranga Rally was the highlight of the celebrations, organized from the DC office to Dak Bungalow. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from new voters, officers, officials, and local residents, showcasing unity and the spirit of democracy.
The event at Dak Bungalow began with Deputy District Election Officer, Ab Rehman Bhat, administering the Voters’ Pledge to newly enrolled voters and other participants.
The function was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S.A. Raina, Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Feroz Yahya, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Arshad Ahmad Khan, and other officers and officials, along with an impressive gathering of new voters.
The celebration featured a painting competition, a quiz competition, and skits and cultural performances by new voters, all centered on the importance of voting and democracy.
On the occasion, a Coffee Table Book was formally unveiled, showcasing the district’s efforts toward voter awareness and the importance of active democratic participation.
Several speakers highlighted the significance of voting as a fundamental right and a powerful tool in shaping the nation’s future.
Later, a felicitation ceremony was held to honor individuals and participants who excelled in various activities and contributed to the electoral process.
National Voters Day was also observed in all Government offices and Schools of district Kupwara where senior officers administered the Voters’ Pledge to their staff and importance of NVD was highlighted.