CEO launched ihelp to promote Digital Electoral Literacy in Assam

Guwahati: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Assam, Mukesh Sahu on Monday launched the ihelp initiative at Election Department, Janata Bhawan in Guwahati. Under this initiative, there will be dedicated ambassadors named Divyang Sarothi who will work with Common Service Centres (CSCs) to spread the message of electoral participation among fellow PwDs.

Divyang Sarothi will be a local person who has good connections with fellow PwDs and can deliver important communications regarding the electoral process in an easy and relatable manner and encourage them to actively participate in the democratic process.

To make the electoral process more accessible for PwDs, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has taken a special initiative in collaboration with Common Service Centres through ihelp. There will be dedicated help desks at the CSCs to facilitate PwD voters to register online or verify their names on the electoral roll or make corrections wherever required. In association with District administrations, CSCs will facilitate transport facility/wheelchairs/volunteers at polling booths for the PwDs.

Empowerment through Digital Electoral Literacy

It may be mentioned that ihelp is a joint initiative of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam and CSC SPV, Assam to promote digital electoral literacy. The Common Services Centres (CSCs) are internet-enabled access points spread throughout the country delivering various government and non-government digital services (e-services) to the citizens. Through its vast network, particularly in rural areas, CSC SPV is uniquely positioned to significantly extend the awareness and outreach activities of CEO, Assam under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation in the state. It is geared to ensure that no voter is left behind.

Sensitization Camps cVigil and PwD

CSC SPV has the presence in all the 2,548 Gram Panchayats of the state. There are 4,587 functional CSCs in Assam. CSCs will mobilize citizens, including PwDs, and provide education on voter rights and the electoral process. CSCs will help them in making online registrations and verifying their details in the electoral roll. Video demonstrations will be made on the use of EVM and VVPAT. The targeted electors will also be sensitized about utilizing various apps with a special emphasis on cVigil and PwD apps developed by the Election Commissions of India.