Ballari: All govt, aided and private schools, PU colleges, degree colleges and universities in Ballari district have been directed to mandatorily conduct SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) activities through Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs).District SVEEP Committee chairperson and zilla panchayat CEO Mohammad Haris Sumeer issued the directions at a meeting held here on Thursday.He said the initiative aims to strengthen electoral literacy, especially among first-time voters and students turning 18. He stressed that the programme is part of the Election Commission’s voter awareness and literacy campaign.The CEO said ELCs should actively organise voter enrolment drives for eligible students. Activities such as essay writing, debates, drawing, rangoli and street plays highlighting voting awareness must be conducted.He added that students should also be encouraged to spread awareness among parents and the public.Heads of all educational institutions have been instructed to ensure ELCs are functional and active. Officials from the education department will monitor implementation at the taluk level.A special awareness programme will be held across the district on June 22, along with a special gram sabha. All institutions have been asked to conduct at least a one-hour SIR awareness and training session on the same day, with compulsory participation of students and staff.Officials from various departments and heads of educational institutions were present.
