SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Jan 25: The Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais on Wednesday said that it has been repeatedly mentioned that several people receive benefits under government-run schemes; however, despite taking the benefits, many don’t understand their duty of voting in elections. He said that lawmakers have discussed the possibility of ending the benefits of such people, but I believe that instead of punishing them, they should be made aware of their responsibilities and their importance.
The Governor said this after his address to students at the state-level programme organised by the Election Commission in Jharkhand to commemorate National Voters’ Day. Governor Bais further said that even the uneducated in villages stand in long lines to exercise their rights to vote, whereas, in cities and towns, even the educated don’t vote if they see long queues outside voting booths.
The Governor lamented that the uneducated can be taught, but nothing can be done for the educated people in the nation. He then urged people to realise the importance of their votes and exercise their rights to choose their representatives.
Earlier during the programme, the Governor informed students of the history of the establishment of the Election Commission of India. He said that the date on which the Commission was established is now commemorated as ‘National Voters’ Day’.
Explaining the motive of the Election Commission, the Governor said, “The Election Commission of India has been committed to continuously strengthening the world’s largest democracy since its inception. The theme of National Voters’ Day this year has been kept by the Election Commission of India – ‘Vote Jaisa Kuch Nahi, Vote Zaroor Dalenge Hum’.”
Governor Bais said that the strength of democracy depends on the vigilance and awareness of its voters. “In a democracy, just being a voter is not an achievement, there is a great responsibility on the voters and the voter ID cards make one realize their responsibility,” he added.
He further reminded voters to choose their public representatives with their conscience and wisdom. “Voters, while exercising their right to vote, should stay away from any temptations like caste, religion, community and language etc. and exercise their vote on the basis of their conscience. Every citizen of the country should be aware and understand his responsibility towards the nation,” he added.
The Governor also led all present in the pledge to vote. Along with this, over 20 officials and personnel including Deputy Commissioner of Simdega, Latehar, Jamtara along with District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Simdega, District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Latehar, District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Jamtara were also felicitated on the occasion.
