Bhatkal: National Voters' Day program was held here at New English PU College function hall on 25th January, Saturday, organized by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Taluka Adminsitration in Bhatkal.

Chief guest of the function, Jagadeesh Shivpuji, Senior Judge JMFC court Bhatkal, speaking on the occasion, said, some elements of the election are complicated, as well as the voters' responsibility. This must be monitored to ensure that everyone receives a voting right. If you act according to your oath, then the democratic system will be successful, he noted.

Presiding over the event Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Sajid Ahmed Mulla, said, the Election Commission came into existence on January 25, 1950. It is a rare phenomenon in the world that voters cast their votes in polling booths during the general elections in India. Since 2011, the National Voters’ Day is celebrated on every 25th January to create awareness among the voters about the importance of voting, he added. He also said that educated voters play a vital role in electing efficient candidates who contribute for the overall development of the country. All youths who attain 18 years, should enrol their names in the voters’ list and should compulsorily vote without fail, he suggested. 

As part of the National Voters’ Awareness, New English Pre-University college Principal Veerender Shanbag administered the oath. Voter identity cards were given symbolically to some youths who attained 18 years. 

Prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of various competitions organised on National Voters’ Day. 

Bar Association President R R Shrestry, BEO M R Munji, CPI Bhatkal Prakash, Taluka Panchayat CEO Prabhakar, Gangadhar Naik and many others were present.