EC planning on reviving electoral literacy clubs in schools, colleges, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) plans to revive approximately 5 lakh Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) in schools and colleges across India in 2026.
• The initiative aims to spread awareness among first-time and future voters about the electoral process.
• The EC had initially launched the ELC initiative in 2018, targeting students from Class IX to college level.
• There are around 7,000 ELCs in the poll-bound states of Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal.

Detailed Insights:

• The ELCs conduct activities such as social media campaigns, door-to-door awareness drives, essay-writing competitions, and quizzes.
• The respective District Election Officers support the ELCs in carrying out these activities.
• ELCs will be considered for awards during the EC’s annual awards on National Voters’ Day on January 25.
• Over 27 lakh electors aged between 18 and 19 years old are expected to be first-time voters in the upcoming polls across the four states and one Union Territory.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs): Forums in educational institutions to promote electoral awareness among students.
• District Election Officers: Officials responsible for conducting elections at the district level.
• National Voters’ Day: Celebrated on January 25th every year to encourage voter registration and participation.