Election process to attract student participation in Udupi

Election process to attract student participation in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Feb 11, 2018: Speaking to the students of the Dr G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and PG Study Centre, here at Ajjarakadu district stadium, on Feb 10, Saturday, Udupi DC  Priyanka Mary Francis said “College students will be deployed as volunteers for the benefit of voters in polling booths during the Assembly election,” .

“A group of students will volunteer to help the physically challenged by getting them wheelchairs, and help pregnant women and senior citizens in exercising their franchise in each polling booth as well. They will supply drinking water to the voters in case of necessity. The students will be imparted necessary training for the purpose. They will be deployed in the polling booth, where they can exercise their franchise,” she said.

The Election Commission of India (EC) will use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) gadgets with Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) during the election. The VVPAT, which will be attached to the EVMs, will allow voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate. This will ensure transparency in the voting process, she said. Students should create awareness among the voters about the same.

The DC called upon the students to enrol their names in the electoral rolls and exercise their franchise. By exercising their franchise, one has the right to question the government and the elected representatives.

She said any hurdles in the process of free and fair election should be brought to the notice of the district administration, and she called upon the students to join hands with the district administration in creating a conducive atmosphere in every polling booth.

Dr G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and PG Study Centre principal Bhaskar Shetty were present.