Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, Rathan U. Kelkar, recently visited the scenic tribal region of Attappady. His visit marked the official launch of a crucial initiative, the ‘CEO @ Unnathi – Get Ready for Special Intensive Revision (SIR)’ project, designed to empower residents through electoral education.
During his insightful tour, Dr. Kelkar made personal visits to the remote hamlets of Anavai and Chindakki, where he engaged directly with the local tribal communities. He meticulously reviewed important documents at the homes of residents like Maruti, Sundaran, and Vellachi, demonstrating a hands-on approach to understanding their needs.
Assuring the tribespeople that their documents were indeed legitimate, Dr. Kelkar alleviated their concerns. He passionately advocated for the significance of voting, emphasizing its role as a fundamental right and civic duty. His engagement extended to participating in local Kudumbashree meetings, further connecting with the community.
The Chief Electoral Officer also made a point to visit educational institutions, including IHRD College at Agali, which earned state-wide recognition as the second-best electoral literacy club. He also visited the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Arts and Science College in Kottathara, another institution lauded for its outstanding contributions to electoral awareness.
Engaging actively with students, Dr. Kelkar patiently addressed their queries and clarified any ambiguities regarding the voting process. He powerfully reiterated that voting is not merely a right but a vital civic responsibility, urging young electors to grasp the profound impact of their involvement in the democratic process.
Dr. Kelkar strongly recommended broadening these crucial awareness programs and campaigns to reach an even wider public audience. He highlighted the Election Commission’s unwavering commitment to maintaining accurate voter rolls by ensuring all eligible citizens are registered while removing any ineligible entries.
He was accompanied by a dedicated team of officials, including Additional Electoral Officer Sharmila C. Nair, Election Deputy Collector Sajeed, Attappady Tahsildar Shanavas Khan, election assistant P.A. Toms, and Abdul Salam, the sub-inspector of Pudur Police Station.