Updated on: Friday, January 27, 2012
They are not yet eligible to vote but are all set to spread the word on the need to exercise that fundamental right, and do so wisely. Mumbai’s youth will contribute to the forthcoming civic elections in a unique way — around 80 college students will help a citizens’ group mobilise voters and distribute information on candidates.
The information on candidates will be sourced from disclosures made in their affidavits regarding assets, educational qualification and criminal background, if any. As part of a social leadership project, these students from various colleges will be part of Blue Ribbon, an NGO, and will assist Action for Good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI) during the civic elections.
A workshop was conducted in Podar College in Matunga to teach the students to mobilise voters. “A volunteer’s primary job will be to research their own corporator and candidates and talk about them in housing societies. Besides, voters who take a pledge to vote will be reminded of the same by volunteers on the day of voting. Lastly, we will distribute the candidate disclosure report prepared by AGNI. We hope to utilise youth power,” said Abhishek Thakore (29), anchor, Blue Ribbon and a former IIM-Bangalore student.
“Action for Democratic Reforms (ADR), NGO and AGNI will prepare comparative studies of candidates based on their affidavits. These will then be distributed by Blue Ribbon volunteers in housing societies,” said Shyama Kulkarni, trustee, AGNI. This is the first time that AGNI is roping in youth volunteers from colleges. Usually its own members spread awareness about the candidates’ background and urge people to vote.
On February 16, voting day, there will be one-on-one contact — AGNI will arrange for cars which the volunteers will use to bring senior citizens and the disabled to the polling booths. “Volunteers will also remind voters of the time left before voting closes and urge them to come down and exercise their franchise. The more young people get involved in the process of elections the more hope there is for Mumbai. They are the next generation and the future is with them,” said Kulkarni.
“I’m extremely heartened at this response of young people to an important link, one that connects the voter to knowledge so that s/he can make a more informed choice. We prepare the comparative list of candidate disclosures, but what use is that without the widest distribution?” said Gerson DaCunha, trustee, AGNI.
Times View
The number of initiatives that Mumbai is seeing this time – all aimed at getting people out of their home on voting day – is encouraging. It augurs well for Mumbai; it indicates a significant section is aware of the pitfalls of not voting. This BMC election takes place with unprecedented citizens’ anger – at the abysmal quality of civic services – as the backdrop. This anger now has to be translated into meaningful action, which means making an informed choice on February 16. The multiplicity of “citizens’ candidates” is another welcome sign but activists will have to ensure they do not cut into each others’ votes and make things easier for candidates who are perceived to be non-performers.