Now, Maharashtra colleges to have election literacy clubs

Spreading awareness about elections among young voters will soon be a new activity on campus. File pic

The Higher and Technical Education Department of the Maharashtra government has issued a circular saying that all colleges will have to form Election Literacy Clubs under the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation programme of the Election Commission.

The circular, dated July 23, 2021, states, "Universities are expected to ensure that one such club is formed in each of their affiliated colleges. While a teacher should be made a nodal officer for the club, it shall comprise student members willing to take proactive steps in creating awareness. Considering the pandemic, these activities will be held online and through existing social media groups of students used for academic activities." The circular has further asked all colleges to set up the clubs before August 15.

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It further states that names and contact details of student-heads of the clubs and nodal officers will have to be submitted to the office of the Election Commission before August 31, 2021. This is to ensure maximum participation in activities held by the Election Commission for young voters. The clubs under the leadership of teachers acting as nodal officers are expected to create awareness and engage their peers in different competitions and other activities. These activities shall include essay-writing, elocution and debates, creating cartoons or satires, plays, writing songs, quiz competitions among all.

"This will be an additional activity on campus now. However, considering the online nature of all activities, including this one, we will have to see whether it will be a successful one," shared a city college principal, requesting anonymity. Adding to this, another principal shared, "Already lectures are being held online, then there are coaching and other activities. Interest in extra-curricular activities is already diminishing as we face several constraints while conducting them online."

15
Day in August by when the clubs must be set up