ECI organizes mega voter awareness program in Srinagar under SVEEP

The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a large-scale voter awareness program under SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) at Tulip Garden in Srinagar. The initiative aimed to educate citizens on the significance of voting, voter registration processes, and electoral participation.

SVEEP is the ECI’s flagship program for voter education, promoting voter awareness and literacy in India. It employs various modes and media to educate citizens about the electoral process, enhancing their awareness and encouraging informed participation.

In the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, polling in Udhampur took place on April 19 (Phase 1), while Jammu, Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar, and Baramulla are scheduled to vote on April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20, respectively.

Following the abrogation of Article 370, which led to the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, there is no separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured three seats, while the National Conference won the remaining three.

Vote counting is scheduled for June 4. The Election Commission held a meeting with concerned agencies to address the developing weather situation and formed a task force to assess the impact of heat waves and humidity before each polling phase, taking necessary mitigatory measures.

During the meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the Commission directed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to issue instructions to state health authorities to prepare for and provide assistance in case of heatwave conditions affecting election operations. The Commission will also conduct a separate review with state CEOs to ensure adequate arrangements at polling stations, including tents, drinking water, fans, and other essential facilities, as per its existing advisory issued on March 16, 2024.