To boost voter turnout across India, the Election Commission of India has introduced a new initiative involving students to promote voter awareness, mainly targeting young voters.
The "Students as Ambassadors" program aims to engage students as crucial influencers within their families, peer groups, and communities, encouraging active participation in the electoral process.
Under this program, students will be voter awareness ambassadors, spreading the message of the importance of voting in their immediate circles. By leveraging the energy and enthusiasm of youth, the Election Commission aims to bridge the gap in voter participation, especially in areas that have historically seen low turnout rates.
The initiative will focus on urban and rural regions with low voter turnout. States and territories identified for this initiative include:
- Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh
- NCT of Delhi
- Maharashtra
- Uttarakhand
- Telangana
- Gujarat
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Jharkhand
As per a Hindustan Times report, these areas have been singled out for their voter engagement challenges in previous elections, and the Election Commission is hopeful that the active involvement of students will make a significant difference.
However, the initiative has not been without its share of concerns. Teachers across various states have expressed unease about this program's potential impact on students' academic responsibilities. Many worry that involving students in voter awareness campaigns could divert their focus away from studies, potentially hampering their academic performance.
Addressing these concerns, an Election Commission official explained, "We believe that fostering a vibrant democracy is essential, and engaging citizens, especially youth, is crucial. However, we are fully committed to ensuring that the program doesn’t disrupt academic schedules. Students will be involved in a manner that is non-intrusive and balanced."
The Election Commission plans to utilise various channels, including social media, public transport, and utility bills, to broadcast voter awareness messages. The goal is to surpass the national average voter turnout of 67.40% during the 2019 General Elections.
With the "Students as Ambassadors" program, the Election Commission hopes to inspire greater participation in India's democratic process. Still, balancing civic duty and academic focus remains a point of ongoing discussion.