Convener News Desk
Budgam, JAN 03: In a bid to strengthen electoral participation and promote informed voting, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the District Election Office (DEO), Budgam, on Friday rolled out an innovative voter awareness drive under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme through a mobile awareness van titled “Wheels on Democracy”.
The initiative covered key areas of the 27–Budgam Assembly Constituency, including Sheikhpora, Ompora and Housing Colony, Budgam, with a special focus on first-time voters and sections of society with limited exposure to the electoral process.
The campaign was conducted under the strategic guidance and overall supervision of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Sanjeev Verma (IAS), and under the supervision of Deputy Director Information and Nodal Officer SVEEP, Salam Din (JKAS). Officials said the outreach witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, reflecting growing public interest in electoral awareness and democratic engagement.
A key attraction of the campaign was the state-of-the-art IEC Vanity Van, equipped with high-resolution LED screens, interactive kiosks and immersive audio-visual systems. Through documentaries, animated videos and multimedia presentations, the van effectively communicated messages on voter rights, electoral procedures, ethical voting practices, and the crucial role of women in strengthening democracy.
Election Assistant Mohammad Kamran Shamshad, along with officials from the District Election Office Budgam, led interactive sessions with the public, addressing queries related to voter registration, polling procedures and participation in elections. Officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is left out of the electoral process.
The outreach programme drew participation from a diverse cross-section of society, including youth, first-time voters and senior citizens. Door-to-door engagement, particularly in remote pockets, was widely appreciated for its accessibility, innovation and people-centric approach.
“The Wheels on Democracy van serves as a mobile information hub, using modern tools to reach both youth and elders, making voter education inclusive and engaging,” a resident of Sheikhpora remarked.
Officials said the successful campaign underscores the importance of grassroots-level initiatives in deepening democratic values and marks a significant step towards the CEO J&K’s mission of achieving 100 percent electoral literacy and participation, ensuring that every citizen’s voice contributes meaningfully to the democratic future of the Union Territory.
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