City students hold campaign to create voter awareness

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 8

City students rolled up their sleeves for creating awareness among voters during a campaign held in collaboration with the district administration here today.

Around 200 students from Senior Secondary School for Meritorious Students, holding placards, raised slogans to create aware among voters about the need for voting and not falling prey to enticements offered by political parties. They were spread across various parts of the city, including busy squares. They made human chains at some places to create awareness. The campaign was led by members Initiators of Change, an NGO.

Tanusha Arora, a student of Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management, said they were making people aware about the importance of the right to vote.

Sifti Bhatia, another college student, said engaging the youth in the election process was important. “It is important to increase the voter turnout from 60 per cent to 90 per cent.”

“If we don’t vote, we have no right to complain about the inefficiencies of the government. We have to take steps to ensure good governance, which begins with voting for good and honest leaders,” said Sahibjot Singh, PCTE Group of Colleges student.

“Though I am not 18 yet, but I am aware about the importance of adult franchise. People should be aware enough to vote for the right candidates,” said Mohammed Kaif, a student of Senior Secondary School for Meritorious Students.

Additional District Election Officer Apneet Riyait said several initiatives were being taken to ensure 100 per cent voting during the forthcoming Assembly elections. She said the number of first-time voters in the district exceeds 39,000. Voter awareness activities across the district, including rural areas, were being organised under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation programmes, she added.