In an effort to nurture a better understanding of the electoral process and foster responsible citizenship, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has joined hands with the Ministry of Education to bring electoral literacy into classrooms across the country. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities aims to systematically integrate voter education and electoral literacy into the school and college curriculum, beginning from class 6 to 12.
Here are some key highlights of this collaborative effort:
- Educational Integration: Electoral literacy will become a formal part of the curriculum, covering schools and colleges, with different content tailored to various disciplines.
- Textbook Integration: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will introduce electoral literacy content into textbooks, and State Education Boards will be advised to follow suit.
- Teacher Training: Special focus will be on orienting and training teachers to effectively impart electoral literacy in classrooms.
- Electoral Literacy Clubs: State Education Departments will be encouraged to establish Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) in schools and colleges.
- Promoting Awareness: Various activities will be undertaken to raise voter awareness among students, ensuring they are well-versed in the electoral system and encouraging them to register as voters.
- Online Registration: An institutional framework will be created for online registration of eligible students who have reached the age of 18, helping them acquire voter ID cards immediately after turning 18.
- Lifelong Learning: Electoral literacy will also be included in adult literacy and basic education programs, offering educational content on electoral processes for lifelong learning.
- Democracy Room: Senior secondary schools will designate a ‘Democracy Room’ for the display of voter education materials and the conduct of Continuous Electoral and Democracy Education (CEDE) activities throughout the year.
- University Engagement: University students will be encouraged to actively participate in university-level politics, fostering critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
- Credit System: Students engaging in CEDE activities will receive credits for pursuing higher studies.
- Accessibility: Schools and colleges will be equipped with standard ramps, accessible toilets, proper lighting, and electricity.
This initiative is driven by the aim to encourage the universal and informed participation of future voters in elections. Despite the successful management of elections by the ECI, there remains a significant percentage of the electorate that does not participate in the electoral process. This collaboration seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among young and urban voters, nurturing a sense of responsibility and informed citizenship. With India having one of the world’s youngest populations, instilling electoral literacy in the youth is essential to ensure an active and engaged citizenry for a thriving democracy. This collaboration aims to address issues such as apathy among young voters and improve electoral participation in the coming general elections.