EVM, VVPAT awareness drive for first time voters in Silchar

way2barak, February 7::–The District Administration, Cachar on Saturday launched a large-scale district-wide voter awareness campaign to familiarise first-time voters with the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and VVPAT system ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. As part of the initiative, a special EVM,VVPAT Demonstration Programme was organised at the premises of the District Commissioner’s Office, Silchar, where new voters were provided practical exposure to the functioning, operation and verification process of electronic voting.

The programme was formally inaugurated with a symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony performed by first-time voters in the presence of District Development Commissioner Rajib Roy, ACS, Election Officer, Cachar Masi Topno, ACS, and Assistant Commissioner and IC, DDIPR Barak Valley Zone, Silchar Deepa Das, ACS, marking the beginning of the district-wide awareness drive.

While addressing the gathering, Election Officer, Cachar Masi Topno, ACS delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of informed participation in the democratic process. He stated that the objective of the programme is not only to familiarise first-time voters with the technical functioning of EVMs and VVPATs, but also to build confidence, trust and clarity in the electoral system. He also emphasised that awareness and understanding are the foundations of a strong democracy and urged young voters to participate responsibly and fearlessly in the upcoming elections.

The programme was organised in compliance with the directions of the Election Commission of India, aims to enhance transparency, trust and confidence in the electoral process, particularly among young and newly enrolled voters. Master trainers Arunabha Bhattacharjee and Joydeep Biswas demonstrated the complete voting process, including casting of votes on the EVM and verification through the VVPAT slip, ensuring that participants clearly understood the system, its safeguards and its transparency features. The interactive sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation, with first-time voters actively engaging with officials and seeking clarity on various aspects of the voting process.

Expressing her experience, Ms. Sukanya Bhattacharjee , a first-time voter, said that she was initially nervous about using the voting machine, but after attending the demonstration, everything felt simple and clear, and seeing the VVPAT slip gave her confidence that the vote is recorded properly. Another young voter, Mr. Rahul Nath, stated that the programme helped them understand how secure and transparent the voting process is and that it made him feel empowered to take responsibility as a citizen. Ms. Riya Paul, also a first-time voter, shared that the officials explained everything patiently, making them feel included and respected in the democratic process, and added that she now feels confident and excited to cast her first vote.

The District Administration reiterated its commitment to building an aware, informed and responsible electorate by ensuring that voters participate in the democratic process with clarity, confidence and trust in the system. Citizens, especially young voters and newly enrolled electors, have been encouraged to actively participate in such awareness programmes being organised across the district and to contribute meaningfully towards strengthening democratic values. The district-wide awareness campaign will continue at multiple locations, including educational institutions, public spaces and community centres, ensuring wide outreach and preparedness ahead of the forthcoming elections.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam India.