Explained: Why National Voters Day Is Marked On January 25

India is the world's largest democracy and has continued to be a democracy since the last seven decades. In a democracy voting in order to choose one¡¯s representative is the most fundamental and crucial aspect. India has seen 17 general elections and numerous state and local body elections since independence. In India 25 January is commemorated as national voters day.

The Union Cabinet approved the Law Ministry's proposal to observe January 25 as Voters' Day in a meeting headed by then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2011. The primary objective of Voters' Day is to boost voter registration and encourage the nation's youth to use their right to vote.

The day marks the foundation of India¡¯s election commission which was established on 25 January in 1950. This day is intended to encourage, facilitate, and optimise new voter registration and to promote the electoral process among newly eligible young voters. The overall purpose of the day is to engage the younger generation, which has reached the age of majority but is hesitant to participate in the nation-building process.

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According to ECI, ¡°Since 2011, National Voters¡¯ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year, all across the country to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, i.e. 25th January 1950. The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to encourage, facilitate and maximise enrolment, especially for the new voters. Dedicated to the voters of the country, the day is utilized to spread awareness among voters and for promoting informed participation in the electoral process¡±.

Hear, hear!! India is ringing in the 12th National Voters¡¯ Day on January 25th.
For ECI each voter matters and in this spirit, our theme for this year is ¡®Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative¡¯. #NationalVotersDay #NVD2022 #ECI #ElectionCommissionOfIndia pic.twitter.com/1vpYdZdeIB

¡ª Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) January 22, 2022

The theme for this year¡¯s National Voters Day celebrations is "Making elections inclusive, accessible and participative.¡±

The Election Commission of India has recommended all government personnel and officers to accept the National Voters' Day pledge on January 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. to promote democratic electoral participation.

This year, the Election Commission of India has also advised the government to issue necessary instructions to schools and educational institutions to observe National Voters' Day in order to instil democratic values by holding events such as debates, discussions, and competitions (drawing, skit, song, painting, essay, and so on) on or near National Voters' Day.

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It has also been suggested that educational institutions conduct the National Voters' Day commitment online, with images of all activities being shared to their individual social media handles and websites with the hashtag #NVD2022.

At the national function on the occasion, Vice President of India, Shri Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu¡¯s message will be virtually delivered during the function. Union Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Kiren Rijijuwill shall be the Guest of Honour

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To mark the occasion, National Awards for the Best Electoral Practises for the year 2021-22 will be conferred on State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management, Accessible Elections and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach. National Awards will also be given to important stakeholders like government departments, ECI icons and media groups for their valuable contribution towards voters¡¯ awareness.

During the function, the newly enrolled voters would also be felicitated and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

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