SHIMLA: The State Election department is going to celebrate the 'International Day of Older persons' by honouring the elderly and centenarian voters of Himachal Pradesh. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg said that department is going to honour the elderly and centenarian voters who have been the witness of changing times, right from the times of ballot paper till the adoption of new technology and who have inspired the generations and made them understand the value of every single vote.
As of now, the state has 122093 voters who are above 80 years of age and about 1190 of them are above the age of 100 years. As far as Assembly constituencies (ACs) in particular are concerned, Sullah assembly constituency of Kangra district has 2936 elderly voters while Fatehpur assembly constituency of Kangra district has 72 centenarian voters which are highest in the state, as per the record.
Maneesh Garg said that elderly people have always remained the true pillars of democracy and have played a pivotal role in strengthening Indian democracy. He said that the Election Commission of India, in its unique initiative has decided to honour them in every district for their incessant contribution in electoral process and facilitate them to sustain their participation.
He said that those above 80 years of age will be honoured in the functions to be organised at district and sub-divisional headquarters and the centenarians will be honoured at their home unless they are fit enough and willing to come for the above programmes which will continue for two or three days from October 1 onward.
He said that it is a matter of pride for Himachal Pradesh that the First voter of Independent India, Shyam Saran Negi is still contributing in the electoral process and inspiring the masses to participate in this ‘UTSAV-Celebrating Democracy.’
