Election Commission partners with banks, post offices to boost voter awareness ahead of polls
India

Election Commission partners with banks, post offices to boost voter awareness ahead of polls

According to the agreement, the IBA and DoP will use their extensive network to promote voter education by giving it away on a ‘pro bono basis’.

   
Headquarters of the Election Commission in New Delhi | Representational image | Manisha Mondal | ThePrint

Headquarters of the Election Commission in New Delhi | Representational image | Manisha Mondal | ThePrint

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) to strengthen its voter outreach and awareness efforts ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

According to the agreement, the IBA and DoP will use their extensive network to promote voter education by giving it away on a ‘pro bono basis’.

The organisations have also arranged to display voter education messages prominently on their websites, social media, and other promotional platforms.

Under the initiative, the IBA and DoP will also establish Voter Awareness fora to hold discussions and initiatives related to voter education at their office premises.

To sensitize employees about the importance of voter education, the organisations will also hold training modules on SVEEP.

The agreement was signed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Arun Goel in the presence of Vineet Pandey, Secretary, Department of Posts.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been making efforts to enhance electoral awareness in the country. According to the commission, 30 crore electors out of 91 crore did not cast their votes in the General Election to Lok Sabha 2019.


Also read: Himachal RS polls headed for nail-biter? Congress on guard amid dissent, nominee’s outsider tag