Republic of India - National Register of Citizens (NRC)

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...updates-nrc/story-pU4ZtyMslmR5JtsNib5hiP.html

The first draft of the National Register of Citizens established 19 million people out of 32.9 million as legal residents. Officials have promised that those left out will be included in the next list – expected by July – after their documents are verified.

Updated: Jan 07, 2018 20:04 IST
Hindustan Times, Guwahati

People wait to check their names on the first draft of the National Register of Citizens, released on December 31, at Goroimari in Assam. (AFP Photo)

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  The partial publication of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam has made neighbouring Northeastern states wary of those likely to be identified as non-Indians sneaking into their territories.
  
  The NRC is being updated for the first time since 1951, and those under the scanner are Bangladeshi nationals who entered the state after March 25, 1971. Illegal migrants will be identified and deported in accordance with the Assam Accord of 1985.
  
  The first draft published at the stroke of midnight on December 31 established 19 million people out of 32.9 million as legal residents. Officials have promised that those left out will be included in the next list – expected by July – after their documents are verified.
  
  Hanging in balance is the fate of 1.14 million people, whose documents and parental linkages have been found to be suspicious. These include 2,900,000 married women who submitted certificates from gram panchayat secretaries. Assam’s neighbours fear that even if a fraction of those with problematic papers are declared as non-citizens, they might sneak into their territories to eke out a living.
  
  “The superintendents of police of all border districts have been alerted and told to liaise with their Assam counterparts in connection with the NRC,” said Arunachal Pradesh director general of police Sandeep Goel. Chief minister Pema Khandu had met him on January 4 to seek an update on the vigil being maintained along the Assam border to prevent a possible spillover of illegal migrants.
  
  In Meghalaya, the Khasi Students’ Union and youth wings of regional political parties – such as the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement – sought the state government’s intervention to ensure the “safety of the indigenous population” after the final NRC is published in Assam. They also wanted additional forces to be stationed at vulnerable points along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
  
  Nagaland has also stepped up measures to prevent an “invasion” of Bangladeshi migrants. The TR Zeliang government wants inner-line permits (ILP) – a documentary requirement for outsiders – to be made mandatory in Dimapur, as has already been done everywhere else in the state. “The ILP is deemed a necessity in Dimapur because it has been alleged that illegal migrants sneak into Nagaland through the city,” state home minister Kuzholuzo Nienu said last week. Many organisations, including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Survival Nagaland, have also sought stricter implantation of the ILP.
  
  The NSF had launched a campaign to flush out “illegal Bangladeshi” immigrants in February 2015.
  

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...cised-ajmal/article22406460.ece?homepage=true

New Delhi, January 09, 2018 22:03 IST
Updated: January 09, 2018 22:04 IST

The process of updating the National Register of Citizens, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, MP from Assam, said his party, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), supported the process since the entire process was being done under the watch of the Supreme Court.

“It is true that though the process of updating the NRC is going on under the supervision of the Honourable Supreme Court and the Registrar-General of India, the actual field work is being done by Assam government officials. And the BJP government may use a section of their employees to manipulate the process. But we shouldn’t oppose at this stage as any discrepancy can be corrected through the claims and objection process,” said Mr. Ajmal who heads the AIUDF.

In the 126-member Assam Assembly, the party has 13 MLAs and is popular among the Bengali-speaking minorities. Many of them are settlers who had migrated from the erstwhile East Bengal pre-Independence but often get branded as suspected foreigners.

“Once it becomes clear who is a citizen and who is a foreigner, it will put an end to the politics of vote bank and the harassment that some sections of our population face,” said Mr. Ajmal.

Missing name
Interestingly, the MP’s name was missing from the first draft of the NRC that came out on the midnight of December 3.

The National Register of Citizenship — first published after the 1951 Census in post-partition India when parts of Assam went to erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) — is being updated to determine foreigners who entered Assam after the midnight of March 24, 1971 as set out in the Assam Accord.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...is-in-assam/article22406337.ece?homepage=true

Claims genuine citizens who speak in Bengali were excluded from updated NRC

Raking up the issue of updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam afresh, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday urged people of the State to give shelter to people from Assam “in case they are driven out from the neighbouring State.”

“You should remain alert. If someone comes here, give them shelter as your own, do not drive them out,” Ms. Banerjee said addressing a rally in north Bengal’s Alipurduar district. During 2012 Bodo-Muslim riots in west Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Council area, north Bengal accommodated many refugees from Assam.

Ms. Banerjee claimed that genuine citizens who speak in Bengali, along with many Hindi speaking people from Bihar, were excluded from the updated NRC.

“There are many from the State from Alipurduar, Murshidabad, Malda, Jalpaiguri who have spent decades in Assam. There are many people from Assam who are living in Bengal, but we never discriminate,” she said, adding that 30% people residing in West Bengal are from other States. Out of 3.39 crore people in Assam, 1.29 crore have been excluded, Ms. Banerjee alleged.

The Chief Minister recalled the ethnic riots in Assam in 2012 and said large number of people from neighbouring State had then taken shelter in the bordering district of West Bengal.

Describing Assam as a border State, she said she was raising the issue as anything that happened in Assam concerned West Bengal.

FIR for distributing books

At the same event, Ms. Banerjee alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliate organisations were privately distributing books in certain schools of the State.

“Yesterday it came to my knowledge that a book is being given to Class II students by the RSS. I have got it from a school in Uluberia and we have lodged an FIR in this case,” she said, pointing out that these books had certain contents which were aimed at inciting communal riots. The students were asked to read these books at home and not in school, Ms. Banerjee said.

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NEW DELHI, January 04, 2018 22:04 IST
Updated: January 04, 2018 22:04 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-assams-nrc/article22369091.ece?homepage=true

Trinamool MPs allege conspiracy

Trinamool Congress members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday alleged a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking population from Assam, a charge rejected by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Trinamool member Saugata Roy raised the issue as soon as the zero hour began, pointing out that names of 1.3 crore people out of 3.29 crore population of the State were absent in the first draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which aims at identifying illegal immigrants.

“We fear this is a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking people from Assam,” Mr. Roy said.

He said even the name of member of Parliament Badruddin Ajmal was absent from the first draft.

Responding, the Home Minister said the NCR work was going on under the supervision of the Supreme Court and there was no need for anyone to feel concerned.

“Those whose names have been left out can approach a tribunal. It is a baseless allegation that some people are being driven out,” Mr. Singh said.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said all those excluded in the first National Register of Citizens draft should not worry as no one will be discriminated against on the basis of caste or community.

(With PTI inputs)

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
10-January, 2018 19:24 IST
Union Home Minister reviews the functioning of Office of Registrar General of India

Discusses the progress of National Registration of citizens and National population Register
Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today reviewed the functioning of the Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner in New Delhi. Union Home Secretary, RGI and senior officers of the office of RGI and Home Ministry were also present in the meeting.

The Union Home Minister discussed the progress of update of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, completion of the activities relating to National Population Register, measures to improve and strengthen the Civil Registration System and the road map for undertaking the Census in 2021. RGI also briefed about the other functions of the organisation relating to Language, Social Studies and Map Divisions.

In regard to the update of NRC in Assam, it was informed that the part draft list covering 1.9 crore applicants in respect of whom the process of verification has been completed has been published on 31-12-2017 as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Another draft list comprising remaining applicants will be published subsequently after completion of their verification. The process is being undertaken in a fair and objective manner and under monitoring of the Supreme Court. After the publication of the complete draft NRC, claims and objections will be invited.

Union Home Minister was informed that the works relating to National Population Register updated in 2015 have been completed in most of the States. In regard to the Census 2021, the activities required to be undertaken in 2018 were discussed. These include firming up the design, stakeholders meeting and pilot exercise in selected States. The Minister was also informed about the progress of Civil Registration System and it was brought out that registration level of birth is 88% and death is about 76.6% at an All India level. The Vital Rates for 2016 under Sample Registration System have been released recently according to which the birth rate at All India level is 20.4 and death rate is 6.4 and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is 34. The need to have geo referenced map pertaining to all villages and town was also highlighted by the Home Minister.

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[Hindustani78]

Election Commission
23-January, 2018 18:49 IST
Shri Ashok Lavasa takes over as new Election Commissioner


Shri Ashok Lavasa today assumed charge as the new Election Commissioner (EC) of India.

Born on 21st October, 1957, Shri Lavasa a 1980 batch IAS officer from Haryana cadre, superannuated on 31st October, 2017 as Finance Secretary of India. During 37 years of his long active service he held various crucial positions in State Government of Haryana and in the Central Government.

He served in key positions namely, Principal Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Renewable Energy Sources, Power), Chief Coordinator (Industries), Resident Commissioner of Haryana, Managing Director of Haryana State Federation of Co-operative Sugar Hills (HSFCOSHL), Director of Haryana State Industrial Development Cooperation (HSIDC), Union Finance Secretary, Union Environment, Forests and Climate Change Secretary, Union Civil Aviation Secretary, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Joint Secretary in the M/o Home Affairs and several other important positions.

During his tenure at Election Commission there would be General Elections to Legislative Assemblies of almost 28 states including ongoing General Election in states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura. Besides this, General Election to the Lok Sabha in 2019 would also be held during his tenure.

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Election Commission
23-January, 2018 18:49 IST
Shri O.P. Rawat takes over as new Chief Election Commissioner

Shri Om Prakash Rawat today assumed charge as 22nd Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India succeeding Shri A.K. Joti. Shri Joti demitted the office yesterday after completing his tenure.

Born on 2nd December, 1953, Sh. Rawat a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of 1977 batch retired from active service in December, 2013. He served in various capacities in his cadre Madhya Pradesh as also the Centre including the post of Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Department of Public Enterprises from 3rd April 2012 to 31st December 2013.

Shri Rawat has served as Election Commissioner since 14th August 2015. During his tenure as Election Commissioner, State Assembly elections in the States of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakand, Manipur, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat were conducted successfully. Besides this, Presidential as well as Vice-Presidential elections were also conducted during his tenure as EC. Under his tenure at Election Commission, there will be General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies of Karnataka, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, including the ongoing General Election to Legislative Assemblies of three states i.e. Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.

After assumption of charge, Sh. Rawat spoke about the priorities of the Commission and said that the Commission shall pursue vigorously its commitment and maintain its standard to hold free, fair, inclusive and credible elections throughout the country.

SBS

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat along with the Election Commissioners, Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa at the inaugural session of the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018

The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat launching the Social Media Hub of ECI at the inaugural session of the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018. The Election Commissioners, Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa are also seen.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat delivering the inaugural addressing at the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat delivering the inaugural addressing at the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018. The Election Commissioners, Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa are also seen.

The Election Commissioner, Shri Sunil Arora addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018. The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat and the Election Commissioner, Shri Ashok Lavasa are also seen.

The Election Commissioner, Shri Ashok Lavasa addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018. The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat and the Election Commissioner, Shri Sunil Arora are also seen.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat along with the Election Commissioners, Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa and other dignitaries after signing of MoUs with Guinea, Moldova and Intl. IDEA, at the inaugural session of the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Process’, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Election Commission
Election Commission of India Hosts International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Election Process’

MoUs Also Signed with Guinea, Moldova and International Idea
on Electoral Cooperation
Posted On: 24 JAN 2018 8:45PM by PIB Delhi

Flagging off the 8th National Voters Day Celebrations scheduled to be held on 25th January 2018, Election Commission of India (ECI) today hosted a one-day International Conference on the subject ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Election Process’ in New Delhi. Delegates at the Conference included Chairpersons/Commissioners / Senior Officials of five Election Management Bodies (EMBs) viz. Australia, Bhutan, Guinea, Moldova & Zambia and Heads of two International Organisations viz. International Foundation of Electoral Systems (IFES) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).

Chief Election Commissioner Sh. O. P. Rawat while addressing the conference

In his Inaugural Address, Chief Election Commissioner of India Mr. O.P.Rawat, reiterated ECI’s resolve to uphold the sanctity of free, fair and peaceful elections in keeping with the rich democratic traditions of India. He stated that ECI is committed to the objective that the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) have the right to full electoral participation, on the basis of equality and shall not be discriminated against on any ground. He pointed out that it was high time to move away from tokenism and ensure participation of PwDs in exercising their franchise. He highlighted the major initiatives taken by the ECI to ensure provision of basic facilities at the polling stations making them conducive for Persons with Disabilities to exercise their right to vote. He expressed the hope that today’s Conference would provide useful takeaways for all stakeholders in this endeavour.

In his address, Election Commissioner Mr. Sunil Arora mentioned that while Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the principal and universal legal instrument that lays the foundation of universal adult suffrage, the 2006 UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities specifically recognized the rights of PwDs. These international treaties and our Constitution lay down the broad inclusive policy framework for ECI. He cited the inspiring cases of Mr. Stephen Hawking, the famous author and physicist as well as Dr. Alim Chandani from the US for their pioneering work related to the inclusion of PwDs in the society at large.

Addressing the gathering, Election Commissioner Mr. Ashok Lavasa mentioned that elections provide unique opportunity to enhance participation and mould public perceptions about the potential of PwDs, include their voice as equal citizens and set the stage for their social and economic integration. He quoted the famous words of Mr. Stephen Hawking “We have a moral duty to remove the barriers to participation, and to invest sufficient funding and expertise to unlock the vast potential of people with disabilities”. He further stated that impressive campaigns through attractive communication strategies for connecting with the PwD voters have been developed and adopted by many countries. This conference would result in a robust interaction and sharing of experiences from the participants which would result in useful learning from each other.

Welcoming the delegates, Mr. Umesh Sinha, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner highlighted the significance of the National Voters’ Day celebrated every year on 25th January. He stated that the Conference is part of ECI’s initiative to make elections and electoral processes accessible to all. ‘Accessible Elections’ has been selected as central theme of this year’s ‘National Voter’s Day’ celebration. The theme, that seamlessly integrates into the underlying philosophy of universal adult suffrage and the concept of ‘No voter to be left behind.’ In his presentation titled ‘Crossing the Barriers: Making Elections Friendly and Accessible for PwDs in India’, he briefed the delegates on the major barriers and challenges faced by the PwDs and the initiatives taken by the ECI in ensuring their inclusion in the electoral process.

There were three sessions during the Conference where senior delegates from EMBs and International Organisations participated.International delegates included Heads / Senior officials of several EMBs. Head of IFES and International IDEA gave their presentations and shared their experiences, best practices and initiatives aimed at electoral engagement, enrolment and active participation in ballot exercise by PwDs in various countries.

On the occasion,the Election Commission of India also launched its Social Media Hub today, comprising Facebook and Youtube as part of its outreach programme for public at large.

On the sidelines of the Conference, ECI signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the field of election management with National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) of Guinea; with Central Election Commission of Moldova and also with International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Election Commission of India along with representatives of EMBs from Maldova & Republic of Guinea and Int. IDEA after signing of MoUs.



The MoUs provide for an institutional framework and aim for promotion of exchanges of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development, with a view to strengthening the administration of electoral processes; exchange of information, material, expertise and technical know how relating to electoral processes and systems; training of personnel and organizational development and capacity building.

Election Commission of India has so far signed MOUs with more than twenty Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and international organizations across the world for cooperation in election administration and management.

The Conference has been organized under the VoICE.NET platform the global knowledge network which has membership from more than 25 Election Management Bodies and International Organisations. The International Conference has been organised with the purpose of sharing the experience of different EMB’s, International Institutions and Experts with regard to analysis of barriers, policy interventions, strategies, programmes, good practices and technological innovation for inclusion of PwD’s in electoral processes.

The quarterly magazine issued under the VoICE.NET – ‘VoICE International’ had its third issue dedicated to the cause of the PwD’s. The Issue carries rich experience for knowledge sharing on inclusion PwD’s across the world of democracies.

The international delegates will also be attending the National Voters Day Celebrations in New Delhi tomorrow besides visiting the upcoming campus of the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) at Dwarka, New Delhi on 25th January 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Election Commission
25-January, 2018 20:12 IST
President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Graces the 8th National Voters Day Celebrations held at New Delhi; President felicitates newly registered Voters and Gives away awards on Best Electoral Practices

First Copy of VoICEIndia Magazine launched at the event National Voters’ Day celebrated across 7 lakh locations; more than 60 thousand millennium voters felicitated across the country
The Election Commission of India celebrated the 8th National Voters Day in New Delhi today. Hon’ble President of India, Sh. Ram Nath Kovind graced the National function as the Chief Guest along with Minister of Law & Justice, Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi. This year’s celebrations revolved around the theme ‘Accessible Elections’, which expressed ECI’s pursuit of working towards making the electoral process more inclusive and friendly for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Addressing the gathering President Kovind said that we have been celebrating National Voters Day on January 25 every year since 2011. The aim is to encourage our voters to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process. And that is why the relevance of this day is even more pronounced on the eve of Republic Day. The President congratulated young voters who have just turned 18 and got the right to vote for the first time. “Our Constitution empowers an independent Election Commission. And our election process makes every vote important, with the right to equality and freedom. As such Indian democracy is known through the world for its maturity and stability.” He reminded that Developed Countries took many years to hand over the suffrage right to its citizens whereas the Indian Constitution empowered the Indian citizens in one stroke.

Speaking on the occasion the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner Sh O P Rawat informed that the Commission has taken several initiatives in its continued endeavour to encourage and enhance inclusive, informed and ethical electoral participation from all categories of voters, with special focus on PwDs. The initiatives integrate technology and media including social media for efficiency and efficacy of connect with the voters down to the polling station level in consonance with our motto ‘No voter to be left behind’.

CEC added that keeping in line with the theme ‘Accessible Elections’ for the year 2018, an international Conference was organised yesterday on ‘Inclusion of the Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Processes’. “Guidelines are already in place on the subject. We intend to consolidate our efforts on accessible elections based on the insights of this Conference’, he said.

Hon’ble President of India conferred the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices to officers deputed in the election machinery. The President congratulated District Election Officials for conducting awareness campaigns successfully. These awards were in recognition of outstanding efforts employed in the area of Election Management, Voters Education and Electoral Participation, Information Technology, Security Management and Innovation in Elections. The President lauded the use of e-platform for educating and reaching out to voters. List of awardees is attached herewith.

The NVD event also witnessed the felicitation of the National Champions of the National Election Quiz 2018. National Elections Quiz, the largest elections quiz in the world yet, had an astounding participation of 13.5 lakh students of 9-12th standard from 38 thousand schools across the country. The Zonals and Finals were organised in collaboration with Rajya Sabha Television and telecast its first episode on 25th January to mark NVD. Subsequent weekly telecast shall be on Sunday prime time 9 am and repeat telecast on Saturdays.

The President also inaugurated the first edition of VoICE India – a biannual magazine which brings forth best practices, innovations and knowledge derived from practical experience and success stories of the election machinery that exists in every corner of India. The NVD function also officially marked the launch of Electoral Literacy Clubs in the nation. With the aim of introducing electoral literacy in the future voters falling in the age group of 14-17 years, around 60 thousand ELCs are planned to be set up with 36 thousand in Schools, around 16 thousand in Communities and 7 thousand in Colleges and Universities in the coming two months.

NVD is celebrated all over the country right from the national level to the far and remote corners of our country down to each Polling Station location where new voters were felicitated with a badge carrying the logo ‘Proud to be a Voter- Ready to Vote’, administered the Pledge and handed over their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). This is a unique electoral participation exercise across the democracies of the world. This year 60 thousand ‘Millennium Voters’ were felicitated across the nation in functions similar to the event in New Delhi. These Millennium Voters are young adults, who were born on 1 January 2000 and qualified as eligible voters on 1st January this year. Six such Millennium Voters from Delhi were felicitated at the National function.



It may be recalled that the Election Commission of India was constituted on 25th January 1950. Thus 25th January every year is now observed as the National Voters Day.



ANNEXURE

LIST OF AWARDEES FOR NVD – 2018
Sr. No.
General Category
Name of Awardee

Election Management
Ms. Avantika Singh, DEO Ahemdabad, Gujarat

SVEEP
Ms. P .Bharathi, DEO Vadodara, Gujarat

IT
Sh. Ravi Bhagat, DEO Ludhiana, Punjab

Security Management
Sh. Kabib K, SP, Imphal East, Manipur

Electoral Roll Managements
Ms. Antara Acharya, DEO, North 24 Paraganas, West Bengal

Innovation
Sh. Kaushal Raj Sharma, DEO, Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh



Special Category



Election Management – Special
Smt. Nila Mohanan, DEO, North Goa


SVEEP

Ms. Ritu Suhas, DDC, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh
Ms. Ranjana, DEO Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

IT
Sh. Vipul Ujwal, DEO SBS Nagar, Punjab

Security Management
Sh. Vivek Gogia, IGP, Goa

Electoral Roll Management
Shri. Paresh Fal Dessai, ERO, Ponda Goa,
Sh. Om Prakash Bunkar, ERO, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Innovation
Sh. Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu, ERO, Gujarat
Sh. Jatinder Singh Aulak, Commissioner of Police, Punjab
Dr. Amrit Tripathi, DEO Sitapur, UP



Best State

ER
Ms Radha Raturi, CEO Uttarakhand

SM
Sh. T Venkatesh, CEO Uttar Pradesh

IT
Sh. V K Singh, CEO Punjab

SVEEP
Shri V K Dewangan, CEO Manipur
Shri Pushpendra Rajput, CEO Himachal Pradesh

Innovation
Shri Kunal, CEO Goa

EM
Shri B B Swain, CEO Gujarat



Best Govt. Department Award

Sh. Rajesh Kumar, Addl. CEO, Delhi
Sh. Vikash Ahlawat, Deputy CEO, Delhi



Best CSO Award
Ms. Kusum Manral, State Secretary, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Uttar Pradesh

Best Media Award (
Smt. Ankhi Das, Public Policy Director (India, South & Central Asia), Facebook
Kathryn Harbath, Global Politics & Govt. Outreach Director, Facebook
Michael Hogan, Product Manager, Facebook.

Best Media Award (Hindustan, UP)
Mr. Shashi Shekhar, Editor-in-chief, Hindustan.

NEQ Award
Madhur Jain, DPS, Ranchi Jharkhand
Aditya Kumar, DPS, Ranchi Jharkhand



Click here to see President Speech:

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind lighting the lamp at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat and the Election Commissioners, Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind giving away the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices, at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind giving away the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices, at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind giving away the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices, at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind giving away the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices, at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind giving away the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices, at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the newly registered young voters, at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri O.P. Rawat are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at the 8th National level function of the National Voters’ Day (NVD), in New Delhi on January 25, 2018.

Prime Minister's Office
25-January, 2018 10:55 IST
PM urges all eligible voters on the occasion of National Voters’ Day to register themselves and use their right to vote

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has urged all eligible voters on the occasion of National Voters’ Day to register themselves and use their right to vote to strengthen the democracy.

“Greetings to everyone on National Voters’ Day. Congratulations to the Election Commission of India, which was founded on this day.

I urge all the eligible voters, particularly youngsters, to register themselves and strengthen our democracy with their participation. The power of a vote is immense”, the Prime Minister said.


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[Hindustani78]

The Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri N.K. Sinha administering the ‘National Voter’s Day’ pledge to the Officers and Staff of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in New Delhi on January 25, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Election Commissioner of India, Shri Ashok Lavasa calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on February 05, 2018.

The Election Commissioner of India, Shri Ashok Lavasa calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on February 05, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Election Commission
06-February, 2018 10:38 IST

Permanent Representatives to the UN from 11 countries visit Election Commission of India

A delegation of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations from eleven countries, namely, Cabo Verde, St. Vincent & Grenada, Togo, Moldova, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Tonga, Samoa, Micronesia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu visited the Election Commission of India. The delegation is visiting India from 04 -10 February 2018 under the sponsorship of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. O.P.Rawat; Mr. Sunil Arora, Election Commissioner and Mr. Ashok Lavasa, Election Commissioner.

Chief Election Commissioner of India, Mr. O.P.Rawat, in his address, mentioned that strong participatory and inclusive democracies are necessary to ensure good governance and empowerment of all its citizens. He gave an overview of the election process in India and briefed the visiting delegates about the innovations and initiatives introduced by the ECI in managing the elections. He mentioned that ECI has been transforming its processes and making regular changes in the election management to meet and align with the emerging challenges. Referring to the ECI’s initiative ‘No Voter to Be Left Behind’ with a view to optimize the enrolment of voters, he briefed the delegates about this year’s theme ‘Accessible Elections’ and the International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Election Process’ hosted by the ECI on 24 Jan 2018.

Mr. Sunil Arora, Election Commissioner referred to the far-sightedness of the members of the Constituent Assembly of India as reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution of India. He stated that that their vision was translated into reality when Election Commission of India was established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. He briefed the visiting delegates about the innovations and initiatives introduced by the ECI in managing the elections including the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) as well as other IT-enabled services in the election management. On ECI’s active international outreach programme, he mentioned that ECI’s contacts with Election Management Bodies abroad have been expanding and ECI has been sharing best practices, experience and innovations with other countries for mutual benefit.

Mr. Ashok Lavasa, Election Commissioner in his address stated that the one of the most important development of the century is the evolution of the United Nations system, which provides a platform for various nation states to share issues of common concern in the world and come to a common understanding on important issues. Democracy has now emerged as the best means to the public for an equitable participation in the political process and it is finding its place in different countries. He mentioned that ECI has taken several steps to spread the progress of democracy in a cost-effective manner.

Earlier, welcoming the delegates to the ECI, Mr. Umesh Sinha, Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner, ECI briefed the delegates about the election process in India and the international cooperation programme of the ECI. He gave a presentation about the structure, role and work of ECI in managing the largest election exercise in the world. A short film on Parliamentary Election-2014 was also screened for the delegation. This was followed by a Question and Answer session wherein queries from the delegates relating to gender equality, appointment of CEC/EC, voting by Indian diaspora etc. were answered.

The briefing session was also attended by Mr. DhirendraOjha, Director General; Mr. S. K. Mendiratta, Legal Advisor (ECI) and other senior officials of Election Commission of India.

 

[Hindustani78]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...enship-bill/story-YVHTvpZTY9K2e2T27GfAhP.html

Faced with widespread protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday appealed to the people to be patient until work on updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was complete.

Assam is witnessing large-scale demonstrations against the Bill, which seeks to grant citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries, over fears of an influx of Hindu Bangladeshis.

Nearly 50,000 government staff are engaged in updating the NRC, which was first prepared in 1951, in a bid to weed out illegal immigrants who entered the state after March 24, 1971—the day the Bangladesh War started.

“We are waiting till June 30 for the NRC process to be over. The state government’s view on the issue will be known once the process is over. I can assure that we won’t take any decision which will go against the interest of the people of Assam,” Sonowal said.

His government has been facing flak for its silence when neighbouring Meghalaya, where the BJP is part of the government, came out clearly against the Bill.

The BJP had come to power in 2016 with the promise of protecting the “jaati, maati and bheti” (identity, land and homes).

Illegal immigration is a sensitive issue in Assam, where a mass agitation between 1979 and 1985 against foreigners had claimed over 800 lives. “We are preparing to launch another agitation against since it is a question of our identity,” Lurinjyoti Gogoi, general secretary of the All Assam Student’s Union (AASU), which led the 1979-1985 agitation, said.

Sonowal is facing threat of pullout from coalition partner Asom Gana Parishad. “Our stand is very clear. If the Bill is passed, we won’t stay in government,” AGP president Atul Bora said.

 

[sorcerer]

180 Bangladeshis arrested while fleeing India, NRC listed among reasons

National Register of Citizens (NRC) and police crackdown on Bangladeshis living illegally in India, may have led to a surge in reverse migration, evidenced in the arrest of 180 Bangladeshis, caught while fleeing India in the last twenty days, said police.

Some of the arrested men had been living in India for five to 12 years and two of them were even carrying Indian citizenship documents. A Bangladesh police officer said while reverse migration was not at all rare, the number was unusually high.

Bangladesh border guards, who made the arrests between November 1 and 19, initially suspected it to be a case of infiltration from India but were surprised to find that most had families and properties in Bangladesh. All the arrested people were handed over to Mohespur police station in Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh, across West Bengal’s Nadia district.

“They said they went to work in India and returned because of unfavourable circumstances. In India, most of these people lived in Bengaluru,” said Rashedul Alam, officer-in-charge of Moheshpur police station.

Bengaluru police arrested 60 Bangladeshis in a recent crackdown and sent them to the border on Saturday to be repatriated.

A senior West Bengal Police officer, who follows illegal immigration, said, along with the Bengaluru crackdown, Indian government’s decision to identify illegal residents through the NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise, may have also influenced the retreat.

“The fear of pan-India NRC possibly stopped them from moving to any other Indian state,” said the officer who did not want to be identified.

Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury, a professor of political science and migration expert, also listed NRC as a possible cause.

“The arrest of 180 persons in 20 days from just one police station area is unusual. I think that the fear of citizenship screening exercise and India’s economic slowdown have both played a role in this,” Ray Chaudhury said.

The West Bengal BJP welcomed the news and said the “fear of NRC” had started to work and the illegal immigrants knew that they can’t be “protected by anyone”.

“Those in Bengal are still banking on Mamata Banerjee’s promise of stalling the NRC. They too will start returning to Bangladesh once they realise that Banerjee can do nothing,” said state unit president Dilip Ghosh.

“Half of the task of sending back infiltrators will be finished even before the actual process of NRC starts,” Ghosh added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...ong-reasons/story-RYcJQWnHlnwyEaXHBxLhFJ.html

Gotta keep a keen eyes..cuz..there will be a lobby ..a cartel to provide them with required info to put them in the list after getting money from them...

 

[Flying Dagger]

Self deleted Double post ......

 

[Flying Dagger]

Thats good actually if they are told about what will happen if they get caught they will flee themselves . There is a strong need to concentrate on this fear factor as I think instead of NRC this fear will help us push them out.

Otherwise , these Jihadi beggars will keep spoiling our soil with their filth unless shown the door hard way

 

[A chauhan]

Modi govt in action...

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