Campus ambassadors to boost voter enrollment

In a unique initiative to boost enrollment of young voters, the district administration has decided to appoint election campus ambassadors at every college. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by district collector Akash Tripathi.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directions for the appointment of 'Campus Ambassadors' in each college so as to facilitate enlistment of fresh voters. These ambassadors will coordinate the enrollment of new voters in campuses by distributing Form 6 copies to the students.

Campus ambassadors with help from institution heads like principals, will collect completed application forms at a common point or get students to apply through the online portal. They will organise the students to ensure maximum enrollment.

Administration has decided to pay a remuneration of Rs 2,000 per month to the campus ambassadors. Selected students should be meritorious and away from politics. Officials under the Chief Electoral Officer are also planning to conduct training sessions for the campus ambassadors on how to go about their work. "We are expecting as many youngsters as possible to get enrolled so that no one misses out. Colleges are places where they can all be roped in together at one time," collector said.

In view of the coming assembly polls, the election officers are in the process of removing names of ineligible candidates from the voters list. The verification work of voters above the age of 99 is also being carried out.