ECI launches e-EPIC which allows all voters to download, store voter cards in hassle-free manner

 

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Along with the rest of the country, 11th National Voters’ Day with the theme ‘Making our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed’ was celebrated across the state in a befitting manner on Monday.
The main event was held at NIT Auditorium, Yupia wherein State Election Commissioner (SEC) Hage Kojeen was the chief guest, joined by In-Charge Chief Election Officer (CEO), Arunachal Pradesh D.J. Bhattacharjee, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO), Papum Pare Pige Ligu, officers/officials, BLOs, NGOs and students. Addressing the gathering the SEC lauded the DEO and his team for organizing the National Voters’ Day in a meaningful and innovative way. Highlighting the smooth election procedure of the recently concluded PRI elections he said that despite the challenge posed by the pandemic it has been transparent, free and fair. Valuable feedback received from the Election Observers are being taken into account so that future elections become more transparent, free and fair, he informed while thanking all stakeholders who have been part and parcel in successful conduct of the recent elections. Appealing the voters to realize the importance of voting, the SEC said by exercising voting rights the electorate can elect the right leaders which further gives way to effective governance. While emphasizing on creating more awareness on voters’ enrolment, he advocated for their education on related rights and duties and creation of a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections. He also administered the voter’s pledge to all present in the event.
The In-charge CEO while highlighting the importance of e-EPIC launched on the day by the Election Commission of India informed that all general voters who possess a valid EPIC will be eligible for e-EPIC and new voters who have registered during special Summary Revision 2020 can download it between January 25-31. Thereafter, all voters can download their e-EPIC from February 1 onwards, he added. The e-EPIC which is a secure portable document of the EPIC in PDF format can be downloaded on mobile or in a self-printable form on the computer and this is in addition to the PCV EPIC being issued currently. A voter can store the card on his/her mobile, clarion call to new voters to exercise adult franchise
upload it as a PDF on Digi-locker or print it and self-laminate it, the CEO informed, asserting that it is yet another step towards empowering voters. The DC-cum-DEO while highlighting this year’s theme stated that it has a special significance as it marks the successful completion of elections held in 2020 in various states during Covid through world class strategies evolved by the ECI and the different approach adopted for conduct of Covid-safe elections.
Main attractions of the day were an awareness programme on e-EPIC detailing the steps in its downloading, issue of EPICs to newly enrolled young voters by the SEC, presentation of certificates, mementoes and awards to the winners of essay, drawing and craft competitions and felicitation of 8 outstanding Booth Level Officers (BLOs).  A short documentary on the electoral process was also screened to create awareness among the participants.
Among others present were ADC Yupia Tabang Bodung, SP Papum Pare Dr. Neelam Nega, HoDs, senior officers from CEO office, BLOs, school students, young voters and the winners of various literary activities.
In West Siang National Voters’ Day was observed with enthusiasm at the DEO office premises in Aalo.
DEO Moki Loyi administered the voter’s pledge and exhorted all to feel proud to be a voter. He also gave away EPICs to all newly enrolled voters. All voters in the district were appealed to log on to the e-EPIC website to download any voter-related documents. Former Minister Doi Ado as Chief Guest gave away the prizes for essay and painting competitions and exhorted the young voters to take part in the democratic process by exercising their franchise. 
The day was observed in West Kameng district headquarters Bombila at Buddha Park with Deputy Commissioner-cum-DEO Karma Leki urging the youths to participate in the election process by exercising adult franchise. He also administered the voter’s pledge to all present on the occasion. 
Assistant Professor, Government College, Bomdila Dr. T Phuntso underscored the importance of voting and the role of voters in a democracy. The winners of essay and drawing competitions and the newly enrolled voters were felicitated. SP, administrative officers, HoDs, GBs, public leaders and officials of Panchayat departments attended the programme. 
In Tawang district, National Voters’ day was observed at the Conference Hall of DC’s office in the headquarters. 
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Sang Phuntsok highlighted the importance of the day. Congratulating the new voters, he exhorted them to take part in the electoral process and administered the voter's pledge to all present during the event. ERO (Hq) Lobsang Tsetan outlined the purpose of observing the day, followed by felicitation and distribution of EPICs to the new electors.
Lower Subansiri observed 11th National Voters’ Day at DC’s Conference Hall, Hapoli wherein EPICs were handed over to the new voters of the district.
SVEEP Nodal Officer Ramar J Ligu dwelt at length on the importance of the day and informed the ECI would be launching its ‘Hello Voters’ digital radio which will stream voter awareness programmes in the form of discussions, songs, dramas, stories etc.  Chief Election Commissioner of India Sunil Arora’s message was streamed and voter’s pledge administered by DEO Swetika Sachan. Principal, Mudo Tamo Memorial B Ed College Ram Gopal Kushwaha as chief guest exhorted the young voters of the district to exercise their voting rights with utmost care.
The best performing BLOs Hibu Ato and Pura Hangu were felicitated on the occasion.
In Longding district, distribution of EPICs to the new voters, launching of e-EPIC and prize distribution of literary competitions to school students marked the day’s observation in the headquarters.
Addressing the new voters and the BLOs on the occasion, DC-cum-District Election Officer Bani Lego spoke on the need for participating in the electoral process by all voters. BLOs were trained on the occasion and an awareness campaign on e-EPIC was also rolled out.
In East Siang, 11th National Voters’ Day was celebrated in Pasighat at DC’s Conference Hall with felicitation of the best-performing BLOs and newly enrolled voters by District Election Officer(DEO)-cum-DC Dr. Kinny Singh.
Voter’s pledge was taken by all the participants including HoDs, staff, students. The DEO-cum-DC while stressing that every vote counts, called upon all eligible voters of the district to come forward to exercise their voting right. ADC (Hq) Taddo Borang stressed on creating  awareness on voters’ participation and for weeding out bogus voters. CO (Election) Pebika Lego highlighted the significance of the day and this year’s theme.
Winners of the essay competition comprising school students were handed over prizes and certificates.  
National Voters' Day is celebrated every year on January 25 across the country with the objectives of increasing voters’ enrolment, especially the newly eligible ones and to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality. It can be recalled that the first National Voters' Day was celebrated in 2011 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India. PRs from CEO Office, DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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