National Voters’ Day (NVD) is annually celebrated across India on 25th January to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process and to promote voter registration, particularly among the youth.
The day also marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- 25th January 2024 marks the observance of the 14th National Voters’ Day and also marks the celebration of 75 years of service of ECI.
- The theme of NVD 2024 is “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure”, a continuation of the 2023 theme.
Background:
i.Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 to mark the foundation day of the ECI.
- ECI is a permanent Constitutional Body and the Election Commission was established on 25 January 1950 by the Constitution of India.
ii.The 1st ever NVD was observed on 25 January 2011.
Points to Note:
i.ECI grants every citizen the right to vote in the democratic election process of India. The right to Vote guaranteed under Article 326 of the Indian constitution is a fundamental right.
ii.The 61st Amendment of the Constitution of India (Constitution (61st Amendment) Act, 1989), lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 years to 18 years.
Logo of NVD 2024:
The logo for the 2024 theme is designed to showcase the festivity and inclusivity of the electoral process.
- The Ashoka Chakra in the background represents the largest democracy in the world;
- The inked finger represents the participation of every voter in India;
- The tick mark in the logo stands for informed decision-making by the voter.
2024 Events:
On 25th January 2024, ECI organised the National function of the 14th NVD in New Delhi, Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu attended the function as the Chief Guest; Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Justice (Independent Charge) graced the function as Guest of Honour.
- The event was also attended by Heads and representatives of Election Management bodies viz. Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
Note: As a part of the celebrations, all government offices, autonomous bodies, and organisations took a pledge on the day.
Best Electoral Practices Awards 2023
i.President presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards for the year 2023. The awards were presented to State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2023.
- The awards were presented in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management, Accessible Election, Electoral Roll and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach.
ii.Awards were also given to important stakeholders including government departments, and media organizations for their valuable contributions toward voters’ awareness.
Other Highlights:
i.The 1st copy of the ECI Publication ‘ECI Initiatives for General Elections 2024’ was presented to the President by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
- The book offers a comprehensive overview of initiatives undertaken by each division of the ECI for free, fair, inclusive, accessible, and participatory elections.
ii.A voter awareness short film ‘My Vote My Duty‘ produced by ECI in collaboration with filmmaker Raj Kumar Hirani was also screened.
iii.To commemorate the 75th year of service of ECI to India, a commemorative postage stamp themed “Inclusive Elections“ was also released.
iv.An innovative multi-media campaign for Voter Education and Awareness for the forthcoming Parliamentary Elections 2024 was also launched.
About Election Commission of India (ECI):
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India– Rajiv Kumar, IAS
Election Commissioner (EC)– Anup Chandra Pandey, IAS; Arun Goel, IAS
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established on 25th January 1950
