LUCKNOW: A delegation of the Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Lucknow on Monday for a two-day visit to promote transparency and explain the electoral process to the voters in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming assembly polls early next year.
Interacting with the media, the CEC described Lucknow as his ‘tapobhoomi’ (place of learning and dedication), saying he had received his education in the city.
"I did my education from here and then went to IIT for higher education. I have returned to Lucknow, my place of work, after a long time, to convey a message to the voters of Uttar Pradesh," Kumar said.
The CEC said the EC would focus on educating people about the electoral process, particularly through interactions with booth level officers, who form the foundation of democracy. He added that programmes would also be organised in universities and schools across UP to explain the election process and highlight the importance of transparency.
The CEC later visited his alma mater Colvin Taluqdars’ College and interacted with students.
In an interaction with students, Kumar told them that electronic voting machines used in India were manufactured by public sector companies and were not connected to the internet or any wireless technology.
He advised students to verify the sources and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it, particularly in today's social media landscape. Kumar said India had around 100 crore voters and conducting elections on such a scale required the involvement of a large number of officials and employees.
He said the EC functioned under the Constitution, election laws and prescribed rules to conduct elections.
Kumar urged students who have completed 18 years of age to enrol themselves as voters. He said digital facilities provided by the EC could be used for voter registration and encouraged students to also make their families and others around them aware of voting.