National voter’s day is celebrated today i.e. January 25 since 2011. It will be the 12th edition this year. National Voter’s day is celebrated every year to encourage voters to participate in the electoral process.
(Picture Credits: The Hans India)
The Government of India back in 2011, led by PM Manmohan Singh had approved a proposal of the law ministry for this day. Former I&B (Information and Broadcasting) Minister Ambika Soni had pointed out that the young voters who just turned 18 showed less interest in the electoral process.
To address this issue, the Election Commission of India had decided to launch a nationwide campaign to identify all eligible voters who reach the age of 18 on January 1 every year in all polling stations across India, Soni said.
Such eligible voters will be enrolled and given the EPIC (electoral photo identity card) on January 25 every year.
The theme of 2022’s National Voter’s day is ‘Making elections inclusive, accessible and participative’. India’s Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu was going to be the chief guest for the event, however, he won’t be able to physically attend the event as he contracted to COVID 19 recently. He will be addressing the public virtually.
Union law minister Kiren Rijiju will be the Guest of Honour. During this event on National Voter’s day, awards are given for the Best Electoral Practices for the year 2021-22 to the state and district level officers for their exceptional performance when elections are conducted in different parts of the country.
On the other hand, the newly enrolled voters will be handed over the EPIC during the event.
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