JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir State Taxes Department (JKSTD) today held various activities under mega Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program at Excise and Taxation Complex, here. Commissioner JKSTD, P K Bhat was chief guest on the occasion while as Additional Commissioner Tax Planning, Policy and Advance Ruling, Ali Afsar Khan and Additional Commissioner Enforcement and Administration Jammu, Namrita Dogra were the special guests.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner highlighted the importance of voting in democratic system and said that such events play very significant role in reaching out to the voters. He also appreciated the involvement of young officials in the event and encouraged them to inspire their families, friends, relatives, and neighbours to participate enthusiastically in the forthcoming Assembly Elections.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Afsar Khan said that such initiatives are geared towards ensuring that every eligible voter understands the importance of casting their vote. In her address, Namrita Dogra underscored the need for first-time voters to come forward and take part in the electoral process. She reaffirmed that the SVEEP campaign remains committed to reaching out to all segments of society, ensuring that voters, especially the younger generation, are empowered to make informed choices in the upcoming elections.
On the occasion, the Commissioner along with other officers also flagged of bike awareness rally and planted sapling of medicinal and fruit plants in the lawns of Excise and Taxation Complex as part of SVEEP. During the event, the department organized Rangoli making event titled ‘Colors of Democracy’, skit programme, bike awareness rally, plantation drive and friendly badminton tournament to engage the employees as well as citizens, particularly the youth in a creative and interactive manner with an aim to highlight importance of exercising their right to vote.
The friendly badminton witnessed active engagement from all the officers and officials, highlighting the importance of education and participation in the democratic process.
The young employees also enthusiastically participated in the Rangoli event, using art and performance as a medium to convey the significance of voter participation in the upcoming elections. The Rangoli competition beautifully illustrated themes related to democracy and the electoral process, while the skit performance captivated the audience, delivering a clear message on the importance of casting votes responsibly and using EVMs accurately. The Rangoli patterns also depicted themes like voting rights and Electoral Participation showcasing SVEEP logo and various symbols of democracy, emphasizing the importance of voting.
During the event, election-themed songs were also played. This mega initiative was aimed at creating voter education ahead of the assembly elections for third and last phase which will be held on October 1.
