On 25 January India celebrates National Voters’ Day every year to push people to enrol as voters and improve the participation of masses in the election exercises to put their opinion forward through the democratic electoral system. 2019, being a General Elections year makes the day even more important.
As many as around 10 lakh polling booths will be covered when the day will be celebrated for the 9th time. President of India Ram Nath Kovind will be Chief Guest at the Election Commission, Manekshaw Centre, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will also be present.
Below we list everything you must know about the prestigious day
- National Voters’ Day came into existence in 2011 to honour the establishment of the Election Commission of India(ECI) on 25th January 1950.
- Election Commission of India is a constitutional body. It derives its powers under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
- Election Commission of India (ECI) is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner. The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for the conduct of all elections to Parliament, Legislature of each state, and for elections of President and Vice President is vested in the ECI.
- The concept of a 3-member Commission has been in operation since 1989, with the decisions being made by a majority vote. The Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners who are usually retired IAS officers draw salaries and allowances as per with those of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India as per the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1992.
- Constitution of India grants Universal Adult Franchise to all citizens of India who are above 18 years of age. This concept had been introduced earlier for citizens who were 21 years of age, but was amended by the 61st Constitutional Amendment, 1988.
- Throughout the country, major campaigns and functions are held to encourage the voters to come out and exercise their democratic right of choosing their representatives for major policy decisions regarding their future.
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