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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 25 (IANS) After Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty expressed concern over reports of school students being engaged in election-related duties, state Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U Kelkar on Tuesday clarified that participation of students in SIR activities is completely voluntary and will not affect their academic programme.
In an official statement, he said students in schools and colleges participate in the Electoral Literacy Club (ELC), which aims to educate them about the democratic process through interactive activities, discussions and practical demonstrations.
“These clubs help youth understand their electoral rights and introduce them to voter registration, voting mechanisms and the importance of electoral participation,” Kelkar said.
He emphasized that the programs are designed to blend learning with engagement using activities and games that promote critical thinking, curiosity and democratic awareness.
“Through the ELC, the Election Commission seeks to strengthen the culture of electoral participation among youth and prospective voters,” he said.
Addressing concerns over reports of students from Elathur region being deployed for special intensive vetting work, Dr Kelkar said he had personally spoken to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
The purpose of ERO was to receive voluntary support only from students who have the time and willingness, with the consent of teachers and without disrupting academic activities.
“Any contrary reports were due to a misunderstanding,” he clarified.
The school in question also has an active ELC.
He further said that the District Election Officers are mainly seeking voluntary support from trained NSS volunteers, civil services aspirants and students enrolled in ELC to assist the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in form distribution and digitization works.
“This participation is completely optional and is strictly monitored to ensure that it does not interfere with their studies,” he said.
There are more than 1,700 ELCs active in schools and colleges across Kerala.
The CEO appreciated the contribution of ELC Voluns at Agali, Attappady and Kozhikode.
The state also honors the best performing ELCs with cash prizes on National Voters’ Day.
Dr Kelkar reiterated that the electoral process should be seen as an opportunity to learn about democracy and not an obligation.
–IANS
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