SVEEP panel takes measures to increase poll percentage

Ahead of the Assembly elections on May 12, the district administration under its Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, has planned several events to increase the polling percentage in the district.

TV reality show fame Niveditha Gowda has been selected as the icon of the SVEEP Committee.

In a press conference, here, on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner Darpan Jain, who is also the Election Officer, released a CD about voters’ awareness campaign.

A variety of events have been planned to increase the polling percentage in 2018 Assembly election in the district, he said.

In 2013 elections, the district recorded 73% turnout and 71% women participated in the elections.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO), also SVEEP nodal officer P Shivashankara said, “An illuminated signboard with the message ‘Nimma Mata, Nimma Hakku’ (Your Vote Your Right), will be displayed at Chamundi Hill from April 27 to May 11. The illumination will be between 7 pm and 9 pm.”

Besides, SVEEP, in association with the police, Youth Services, Woman and Child Development and, Health and Family Welfare departments, has organised a torchlight parade in the city on April 24, the CEO said.

Shivashankara said, “The district, which has 11 Assembly segments, has 24.32 lakh voters, 12% more compared to previous Assembly election. The authorities concerned have conducted several rounds of awareness drive to educate the people about the Right to Vote.”

In addition, the officials also conducted a demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) and as many as, 60,000 people cast their votes during the demo, he informed.

Additional Deputy Commissioner T Yogeesha and others were present.