MoU signed between Election commission and National Literature Mission Authority (NLMA)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA), Ministry of HRD, on “Electoral Literacy and Greater Participation for a Stronger and Inclusive Democracy” at the headquarters of the Election Commission in New Delhi.

This MOU, being the first ever by the Election Commission of India with a Government Department, was signed by Shri. Akshay Rout, Director General, Election Commission of India and Sh. Jagmohan Singh Raju, Director General, NLMA in the presence of Dr. M.M.PallamRaju, Minister of Human Resource Development and Sh. V.S.Sampath, Chief Election Commissioner of India.

The ECI and NLMA will work jointly to sensitize citizens, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged including women, SCs, STs, Minorities, in NLMA covered districts, about their electoral rights and about exercise of franchise.

Electoral Literacy will form part of curriculum for adult Literacy and Basic education. NLMA will spread electoral literacy during its environment Building and mass mobilization campaigns, with specific focus on electoral registration and informed and ethical voting in co-ordination with the Election Commission. 

Union Minister of Human Resource Development Dr. M.M.PallamRaju, complimented ECI for its initiatives on Voters Education and said, the right to vote, is one of the most powerful instruments of empowerment. He observed that political empowerment specially of women, the disadvantaged and excluded groups is a true goal of the Literacy Mission. He suggested that action under the MOU should be reviewed every six months at a higher level.

Chief Election Commissioner V.S Sampath, hoped that the MOU will help bridge the deficit in enrollment, particularly among women and the youth. He also emphasized the need of effective partnerships with credible and competent organizations to achieve this goal.