‘Matadana Jagruti Ratha’, a vehicle meant to spread awareness on voting, was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer Sasikanth Senthil on the premises of DC’s office here, on Saturday.
The initiate is taken up by District SVEEP Committee Chairman and Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr R Selvamani.
Speaking on the occasion, Selvamani said the focus would be on regions that recorded low voters’ turnout during the previous elections. “The youth will be encouraged to exercise their franchise. Through the ‘Matadana Jagruti Ratha’ voters will be reminded to check their names and verify other details in the voters’ list.”
The vehicle will travel in Mangaluru for 30 days playing recorded messages in Kannada and Tulu languages on ethical voting and on the importance of free and fair elections. Microphone publicity will also be carried out. Two more vehicles will start making rounds in rural areas from April 1. People can dial the toll free number 1950 for their election-related queries, he added.
Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner B A Mohammed Nazir, District Information and Publicity Department Senior Assistant Director K Rohini and District Adult Education Officer Sudhakar were present.