24/7 helpline suggested to check errors in voters' list

 Chief Secretary S V Ranganath on Friday suggested the Office of Chief Electoral Officer (OCEO), Karnataka, to open a round-the-clock helpline to address complaints pertaining to errors in voters’ list and electoral photo identity cards (EPICs).

Speaking at a function organised on the occasion of National Voters’ Day, he said there is a lot of confusion among people on the issues related to voters’ list and EPICs.

Complaints in this regard have to be addressed to improve voting percentage, he added.
The biggest challenge before the Election Commission of India (ECI) is replenishing optimism among youth on the electoral process.

Voter turn -out in urban areas of the State is just around 45 per cent. “Younger generation lacks enthusiasm in the process. Their optimism has to be replenished and make them to take active part in this important democratic process,” he stated.

Ranganath suggested the OCEO to take up a media campaign to create awareness among people on the importance of taking part in the electoral process.

Governor H R Bhardwaj said about 50 per cent of the country’s population has been denied adequate representation due to lack of reservation for women in the State Assemblies and Parliament. The country will not progress unless equal representation is given to women, he added.