Gonda Administration launches novel drive to achieve 100% voting in the district

Lucknow/Gonda, April 11, 2024- In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, various initiatives are underway in Uttar Pradesh to achieve 100% voter turnout. With the looming threat of severe heat in the coming days, these initiatives are being creatively presented to motivate voters to cast their votes despite the challenging weather conditions.

In this sequence, Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh has embarked on a unique initiative, linking the democratic process with a bird welfare program. The Gonda District Administration has launched the ‘Har Ghar Sakora Campaign on the occasion of National Pet Day observed on April 11th. As part of this campaign, clay pots adorned with voter awareness slogans are being installed throughout the city.

These slogans, inscribed on Sakoras, not only aim to inspire voters to participate in the democratic festival but also serve to provide nourishment and hydration to birds. The district administration is striving to engage both birds and voters by installing an increasing number of Sakoras in urban and rural areas.

It is noteworthy that the Lok Sabha elections in Gonda district are scheduled for the fifth phase on May 20th. Gonda boasts 25.30 lakh registered voters, including 13.50 lakh males, 11.82 lakh females, and 94 transgender individuals. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, this constituency witnessed a voter turnout of 52.2%, which was lower than the state average of 59.21%. Consequently, efforts are being made to enhance voters’ participation in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

District Magistrate Neha Sharma has provided detailed information about this initiative, stating that in urban areas, traditional earthen pots (Sakora) adorned with voter awareness messages are being installed on trees. These Sakoras are designed to attract sparrows, parrots, cuckoos, munias, and other birds, providing them with water and grains to alleviate their hunger and thirst during the summer.

Additionally, the slogans written on these pots aim to raise voter awareness. This initiative is poised to create a significant impact on the history of voter awareness in Gonda.

She further highlighted that this program is aligned with the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SWEEP) program of the Election Commission. Furthermore, this initiative serves to encourage the efforts of potters and local artists engaged in crafting clay toys.

The Animal Husbandry Department of Gonda has launched the “Every House Sakora Campaign, Vote on 20th May” initiative. District Magistrate and District Election Officer Neha Sharma inaugurated the program in front of the DM residence at the district headquarters. Sharma instructed all department officers to place “Sakoras” around their offices and homes to display voter awareness slogans. This initiative aims to increase voter turnout in the upcoming Lok Sabha General Elections – 2024.

Sharma emphasized the importance of organizing various programs to raise awareness and ensure 100% voter participation. The district aims to achieve the highest voting percentage in the elections scheduled for May 20, 2024.

Along with this, the District Magistrate also administered an oath to all officers and employees present, urging them to vote. Officials from various departments, including Revenue, Development, Agriculture, Panchayat, and Education, participated in the event.