The Election Commission of India and the Education Ministry have set their sights on a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will revolutionize the Indian educational landscape. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced this exciting development on Thursday, revealing their plan to integrate vital content into the school curriculum. The curriculum will emphasize the significance of voting rights and the crucial factors to consider when choosing a candidate.
The primary objective of this MoU is to raise awareness about ethical and informed voting. Kumar shared these ambitious plans during an event where he also inked an MoU with the renowned actor Rajkummar Rao, who will serve as the ECI’s national icon for voter awareness. Kumar’s enthusiasm was palpable as he declared that the MoU would be formalized in the near future.
The educational content will target students starting from Class 9 and onwards, as they reach the age of 18 and become eligible voters. Often, young voters lack the knowledge and awareness of the voting process, the principles that underpin democracy, and the factors to consider when casting their ballots. This initiative aims to bridge that knowledge gap by instilling the ethos of democracy in the minds of children from a young age.
According to insider sources, the MoU is expected to be signed within the coming days and will involve both the departments of School Education and Higher Education. The curriculum will be tailored to high school and college students. In addition to this, the Election Commission plans to strengthen its existing program of 10 lakh Electoral Literacy Clubs in schools and colleges across the country.
Chief Election Commissioner Kumar also highlighted the upcoming state elections, noting that there were 60 lakh first-time voters in the five states set to go to the polls in November. He urged influencers from various fields to take on the responsibility of spreading awareness about the importance of voting, encouraging maximum participation.
Rajkummar Rao, who sealed a three-year deal as the ECI’s national icon, passionately appealed to the students in attendance to exercise their right to vote. Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey emphasized the need to increase the participation of migrant workers who are unable to return to their home constituencies to vote. He stressed the importance of political consensus and the EC’s proposal for remote voting.
In addition to these key developments, Election Commissioner Arun Goel revealed the EC’s efforts to boost voter turnout in urban areas. This includes the strategic relocation of polling stations to the most convenient and frequently visited locations, such as community centers within high-rise residential societies, ensuring a more accessible and participatory voting experience.
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