Leh, Dec. 29: The Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, UT Ladakh Sanjeev Khirwar presided over a virtual meeting aimed at formulating a comprehensive plan for the operationalization of various provisions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Electoral Literacy, at the Civil Secretariat, Leh.

The Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh, Yetindra Maralkar, IAS conducted an insightful presentation on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) centered around electoral literacy. The presentation addressed pivotal aspects such as the Electoral Literacy Club, the integration of an electoral curriculum in educational institutions, and the registration of electoral camps for new/future voters.

Detailed discussions explored the strategic planning of electoral literacy programs within Colleges and Schools across Ladakh. An intensive effort was highlighted to enhance participation in the electoral process through initiatives like ethical voting awareness campaigns and engaging mock drills.

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Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar emphasized the need for a coordinated approach in implementing the MoU, ensuring that its provisions fill every level of the educational system. The National Voters Day celebrations serve as a platform for citizens to engage, learn, and celebrate the essence of democracy, he added.

Emphasizing the significance of National Voters Day on 25^th January 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer announced the organization of camps in Leh and Kargil. It aims to disseminate knowledge and insights on electoral literacy, thereby fostering an informed and active community, he added.

The Commissioner Secretary of Higher Education, UT Ladakh Padma Angmo expressed optimism about the transformative impact of these initiatives on the democratic fabric of Ladakh.

Padma Angmo suggested conducting a mock poll drill in Ladakh to sensitize voters about the voting process. She emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness among citizens, especially the youth, to create a vibrant and participatory democratic culture.

The Chief Electoral Officer urged citizens, educational institutions, and youths to actively participate in and support these initiatives, envisioning a Ladakh where every individual is not just a voter but a well-informed and conscientious participant in the democratic process.

The MoU signed between the Election Commission of India and the Ministry of Education signifies a pivotal step in nurturing civic responsibility and fostering a culture of informed electorate.

In the end, the Chief Electoral Officer requested the educational heads to take steps to operationalize the provisions of the MoU in non-political collaboration and monitor the program in schools and colleges through Electoral Literacy Clubs and SVEEP teams.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner/Secretary of the Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh; Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh; Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Leh; Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, UT Ladakh; a representative from Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh; Director of Colleges, UT Ladakh; and concerned officers from Election Office, UT Ladakh, while the Director of School Education, UT Ladakh joined the meeting virtually.