Former cabinet minister and Congress Working Committee member Vijay Inder Singla has called upon the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab to launch a vigorous campaign to register young voters during the upcoming Special Intensive Revision exercise. Singla expressed concerns that the timing of the revision, so close to the Assembly elections, often creates a trust deficit among the Election Commission, political parties, and the public. He emphasized that the process must be conducted with absolute fairness and transparency to avoid issues seen in other states.
Low Youth Enrollment a Concern
Singla highlighted that only about 40% of eligible youth in the 18-19 age group were enrolled as voters, according to 2024 data. He stressed that the vision of a 'New Punjab' can only be realized through the fresh ideas of young minds. The state needs innovative policy approaches to address crime, drug addiction, the agricultural crisis, and unemployment, all of which require active youth participation in democracy.
Suggestions for Improvement
To bridge the enrollment gap, Singla proposed that the State Election Commission launch targeted social media campaigns to engage tech-savvy youth. He also called for sensitizing Booth Level Officers, who will conduct door-to-door verification from June 25 to July 24, to actively enlist new voters. Singla urged the commission to prioritize this matter to empower every eligible young voter in shaping Punjab's future.
