Orientation prog on voter enrolment organised
60 pc voter-aadhaar linkage process complete in Imphal East: DEO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 12 2022: A one day orientation programme on Voter Enrolment for Eligible Youths-cum-linking of Aadhaar number for already enrolled LGBT and PwDs in the electoral roll was held at Panchayat Bhavan Hall, DC Office Complex, Porompat, here on Monday.

The programme was organised as a part of the activities under Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) in Imphal East district as per the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India (ECT) regarding linking of Aadhaar with Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

Addressing the gathering, Imphal East district election officer (DEO) Diana Khumanthem informed that following instructions from ECI, about 60 per cent of the Voter and Aadhaar number linking process for Imphal East district has been completed.

Stressing that each and every individual who are eligible for casting votes should get enrolled in the electoral list so as to avail the opportunity to choose the right leaders, she urged the third gender and differently abled voters to get their voter and aadhaar cards linked at the earliest.

The DEO also informed that there were only nine third gender voters in the district till conduct of the 11th Manipur legislative assembly election, however, in the 12th edition the number rose to 64.The orientation programme which especially focused on LGBT and PwDs, will definitely help increase the number of new voters enrolment, she opined.

In his keynote address, additional DEO Shamim Ahmad Shah emphasised on the importance of LGBT community in the society while stating that the electoral population of transgender and PwDs has been steadily increasing in the Electoral Rolls.

They are also provided with separate facilities during elections such as separate queues, pick and drop vehicles, he said.

Shamim also encouraged PwDs to come out and enrol as well as participate in the electoral process, while also highlighting that the LGBTs are being given "other" category by ECI in recognition of their status.

He appealed to the general public to update their photographs in Electoral Rolls and to link their respective voter and aadhaar through Voter Helpline App and National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP) or the Booth Level Officers concerned.

Dignitaries from Ya-all, Welfare Association for the Blind, Manipur, Typewriting Institute and Rural Development Society and other important stakeholders attended and presented inspiring speeches encouraging LGBTs and PwDs to come out and actively participate in the Electoral Process.

All the Electoral Registration Officers, assistant Electoral Registration Officers and electoral officials of Imphal East district were also present at the programme.

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