EC pitches for inclusion of ‘electoral literacy’ in schools
In a bid to educate 15- to 17-year-old ‘future voters’, who will be part of the electorate when they turn 18, the Election Commission has asked the Union HRD Ministry to introduce ‘electoral literacy’ in the curriculum at the secondary school level. Is it a good move? We find out...
This is a step towards enlightening future voters of India about ‘electoral literacy’. It will help our newly-enrolled voters to examine both sides of the coin where our political system is concerned.
Sugati Malhotra, class IX, Maxfort school, Delhi
It is a good move as it will create awareness about the democratic exercise. It will encourage youngsters to cast their vote judiciously when they reach the stipulated age bracket.
Niharika Deshpande, class XII, Sakar School, Ahmedabad
The move will go a long way in creating awareness among young voters about electoral procedures in India and the necessity of exercising their franchise.
Poorva Moharil, class X, Sandipani, Nagpur
We are on the threshold of becoming future voters and having a say in who will lead us. We need to be politically aware individuals so that we can make the right choice.
Ishika Chakraborty, class X, DPS Ruby Park, Kolkata
Electoral literacy in the curriculum will help us select the right candidates. Voting is a big decision, not just for youngsters but also for the future of the country.
Dawn Carmel Blankley, class VIII, UIS, Bengaluru
The present curriculum doesn’t touch upon the subject – adding politics to the current course will only help us become electorally literate.
Sambhav Bansal, class X, St Xavier's School, Panchkula
.JPG)
Every year, 20 million persons out of the future voters turn 18 to become first time voters
In India, over 62 million persons fall in the age group of 15 to 17 years and have been described as ‘future voters’ by the Election Commission. Future voters have generally not been the focus of the Commission. Now, under Systematic Voter Education Programme, the Commission will lay special focus on this group in the year 2017 and onward
What should be included in the curriculum?
Laws on canvassing: It should include a study of all the laws that govern candidature, canvassing and casting of the vote.
Tulika Saha, educator, DPS, Ahmedabad
candidates: The curriculum must include awareness and consciousness about good and bad representatives. It should also identify the qualities of a good candidate.
Dr Pradeep N Aglave, HoD, Dr Ambedkar Thought, RTM Nagpur University
Election and political parties: Apart from explaining all about political parties and the poll process, the curriculum should also include poll manipulation methods like money and muscle power so that future voters are aware of the pitfalls of politics.
Kanak Shankar Mukherjee, teacher, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata
Duties of a voter: The curriculum should empower the youth with information about their duties and responsibilities as voters. It should include aspects such as false promises, party alliances and their fall-out, among other things.
Chaya Devi P V, teacher, KV Hebbal, Bengaluru
Introducing electoral literacy curriculum in a systematic manner will go a long way in strengthening electoral literacy.
Nasim Zaidi, chief election commissioner