Over the weekend, a state-level workshop was held in Bhubaneswar with the goal of ensuring fair and transparent elections in Odisha. The workshop, which took place at the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, was attended by various radio broadcasters who were eager to learn more about the electoral process and their role in it.
The event was organized by The Sociogenic Foundation and Outreach in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer. In his address to the attendees, Odisha Chief Electoral Officer RS Gopalan emphasized the importance of the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll. He stressed that for a strong democracy, it is crucial that all eligible citizens are included in the voter list. He urged officials and broadcasters to be vigilant in their efforts to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible person is included in the rolls.
Throughout the workshop, there were discussions on the process of registering as a voter for Indian citizens who have turned 18 years old. Participants were also briefed on procedures for correcting errors in the voter list and filing claims and objections. It was clear that the organizers wanted to equip the broadcasters with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively inform the public about their rights and responsibilities as voters.
The role of media outreach, particularly radio, was highlighted during the workshop. Officials recognized the power of radio in disseminating accurate information and raising awareness among the public. The broadcasters were encouraged to use their platform to educate citizens about the electoral process and their role in it.
During the interactive session, the broadcasters had the opportunity to engage with CEO Gopalan on topics such as SIR mapping and the ECI Net App developed by the Election Commission to facilitate electoral services. It was evident that the attendees were eager to learn and gain insights into the technical aspects of elections.
Representatives and broadcasters from various radio stations across the state were present at the workshop. Among them were Additional CEO Sushant Kumar Mishra, Deputy CEO Laxmi Prasad Sahu, Financial Advisor Sanjay Kumar Lugun, senior radio broadcaster Ashok Panigrahi, and Public Relations Officer Bijayananda Mallik, along with other officials.
The workshop was a success, providing valuable information and fostering discussions on important issues surrounding elections. It served as a reminder of the crucial role that media plays in promoting fair and transparent elections and empowering citizens to exercise their right to vote.
