ECI : Banks & Post offices will now help Election Commission of India step-up voter education and outreach ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Electionsmessaging will reach a wide audience through 1.6 lakh bank branches, over 2 lakh ATMs & 1.55 lakh Post Offices across the country
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Election Commission of India (ECI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two prominent organizations, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) to amplify its voter outreach and awareness efforts ahead of the forthcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024.
The initiative is in continuation of Election Commission of India (ECI) untiring efforts to enhance electoral awareness in the country. Notably, Election Commission of India (ECI) had recently signed an MoU with the Ministry of Education to formally integrate electoral literacy into the educational curriculum of schools and colleges. The MoU was signed today in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Shri Arun Goel. Sh Vineet Pandey Secretary, Department of Posts Shri Sunil Mehta, Chief Executive, IBA and other officials from Department of Posts, IBA and ECI were present on the occasion.
As part of the MoU, IBA & DoP with its members and affiliated institutions/units will extend support in promoting voter education through their extensive network on a pro-bono basis, employing various interventions to empower citizens with knowledge about their electoral rights, processes, and steps for registration and voting.
Key highlights of the MoU include:
- Members and affiliated institutions/units will display voter education messages prominently on their websites, directing visitors to learn more about the electoral process.
- Voter education content will be disseminated through various promotional channels such as social media and customer outreach platforms of member institutions, ensuring widespread awareness among stakeholders and the public.
- Voter education messages will be displayed in the form of posters, flex, and hoardings at office infrastructure/premises at major locations, reaching customers at key touchpoints.
- All member institutions under IBA & DoP will establish Voter Awareness Fora to engage employees and customers in discussions and initiatives related to voter education.
- Sensitize about training module on SVEEP in the regular orientation Programmes of employees of IBA & DoP.
- The Department of Posts will affix a special cancellation stamp (bearing voter education messages) on the postal articles.
Despite successfully managing and conducting elections by the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the years in fair and peaceful way along with a significant increase in participation of the electors, there is also a concern that around 30 crore electors (out of 91 crore), did not cast their votes in General Election to Lok Sabha 2019. The voting percentage was 67.4%, which the Commission has taken as a challenge to improve upon.
This collaboration with IBA and Department of Posts, signifies a significant step towards strengthening democracy by empowering citizens with knowledge and awareness about their electoral rights and responsibilities. Through concerted efforts, both organizations are committed to fostering a culture of informed and active participation in the electoral process.
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