Mann releases video message from Bengaluru wellness retreat
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued a video appeal urging all voters in the state to take part in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stressed that registering their votes is essential not only for exercising their franchise but also for continuing to receive benefits from government welfare schemes, including the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana.
In the video message, recorded while Mann is on a health and wellness retreat in Bengaluru, he explained that the SIR is being conducted by the Election Commission of India. “You only have to fill a form to ensure that your name remains in the voter list. If you don’t fill the form, your name will be deleted. Then you won’t be eligible to get the social security benefits or avail of other government schemes,” he said.
Door-to-door survey began June 25
The door-to-door survey by enumerators commenced on June 25. Mann’s appeal comes amid reports of misbehaviour against Booth Level Officers by members of the public in Patiala and Barnala districts. On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra highlighted these incidents and sought public cooperation to ensure the smooth conduct of the revision process.
Mann also congratulated the women of Punjab, noting that his government has fulfilled its pre-election promise by depositing money directly into their bank accounts under the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana. He reiterated that participation in the SIR is crucial to maintain eligibility for such schemes.
Electoral roll revision critical for scheme access
The Chief Minister’s appeal underscores the link between voter registration and access to state welfare programmes. The SIR aims to update the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections, and failure to participate could result in voters being removed from the list, thereby losing their right to vote and access to government benefits.
Punjab CEO Mitra has urged citizens to cooperate with Booth Level Officers and enumerators during the survey. She noted that any instances of misbehaviour hinder the revision process and urged the public to assist officials in their work.
