Cites disparity in participation between urban, rural areas
Inter College Street play competition themed "Urban apathy among youth toward Elections" at Azad Maidan organised by Chief Electorate Officer, Goa and Directorate of Higher Education.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
The Chief Electoral officer (CEO) on Tuesday raised concern over the urban apathy towards voting ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections 2024.
CEO IAS Ramesh Verma lamented that despite awareness and education, there is notable disparity in voter participation between urban and rural areas. He said that while the rural population comes out in large numbers to vote, the urban apathy is a cause of concern.
“The data shows that individuals in rural areas consistently turn out to cast their votes, while there is a concerning low response from the urban populace, including areas like Panaji, Margao, Taleigoa, Fatorda. This observation is particularly perplexing given that urban residents are generally more educated and have access to information through mediums like newspapers and television channels,” the CEO said.
“Despite their awareness, there persists a notable reluctance among urban dwellers to actively engage in the voting process,” he added.
The Chief Electoral Officer Goa in collaboration with the Directorate of Higher Education had organized Inter-Collegiate Street Play competition on the Theme: “Urban Apathy among Youth towards Elections”.
Meanwhile, ahead of polls, the training has commenced for polling personnel from Tuesday. The training has commenced with EVM demonstration.
