Budgam, Jan 3 (JKNS): In a proactive move to deepen democratic engagement and empower voters at the grassroots level, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the District Election Office (DEO), Budgam, on Saturday rolled out an innovative voter awareness drive under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, with a special focus on first-time voters and communities with limited exposure to the electoral process.
As per news agency JKNS, In a significant effort to strengthen electoral participation, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the District Election Office (DEO), Budgam launched an innovative voter awareness initiative under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme.
As part of the campaign, the mobile awareness van titled “Wheels on Democracy” toured key areas of the 27–Budgam Assembly Constituency, engaging first-time voters and other stakeholders with limited exposure to the electoral process.
The initiative was taken under the strategic guidance and overall supervision of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Sanjeev Verma, IAS, and under the supervision of Deputy Director Information (Nodal Officer SVEEP), Salam Din (JKAS). The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, who showed keen interest in understanding voter rights, electoral procedures, and the importance of informed participation.
The state-of-the-art IEC Vanity Van, equipped with high-resolution LED screens, interactive kiosks, and immersive audio-visual systems, attracted wide attention. Engaging content such as documentaries, animated videos, and multimedia presentations effectively conveyed key messages on electoral processes, voter rights, and the pivotal role of women in democracy.
The campaign covered several areas of the Budgam Assembly Constituency, including Sheikhpora, Ompora, and Housing Colony, Budgam. Election Assistant, Mohammad Kamran Shamshad, along with the officials from District Election Office, Budgam including Election Naib Tehsildar led interactive sessions with the public. The team addressed queries related to voter registration, polling procedures, and ethical voting practices, reaffirming the commitment to ensure that no eligible voter is left disenfranchised.
A diverse cross-section of society—including first-time voters, senior citizens—participated actively in the outreach programme. The door-to-door engagement in remote areas was widely appreciated for its accessibility, innovation, and people-centric approach.
“The Wheels on Democracy van serves as a mobile information hub, using modern tools to reach both youth and elders, making voter education inclusive and engaging,” remarked a resident of Sheikhpora, Budgam.
The successful campaign highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives in deepening democratic values. It marks a significant step toward the CEO J&K’s mission of achieving 100 percent electoral literacy and participation, ensuring that every citizen’s voice contributes to shaping the democratic future of the Union Territory. (JKNS)
