Lucknow: A delegation of the Election Commission of India led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Lucknow on Monday for a two-day visit to promote transparency and explain the electoral process to the voters of the state.Speaking to reporters upon arrival, the CEC described Lucknow as his ‘tapobhoomi’ (place of learning and dedication) as he had received his education in the city. “I did my education from here and then went to IIT for higher education. I have returned to Lucknow, my place of work, after a long time, to convey a message to the voters of Uttar Pradesh,” Kumar said.Kumar said the EC would focus on educating people about the electoral process, particularly through interactions with booth level officers, who form the foundation of democracy. He added that programmes would also be organised in universities and schools across UP to explain the election process and highlight the importance of transparency.The CEC later visited his alma mater Colvin Taluqdars’ College and interacted with students.Kumar told the students that electronic voting machines used in India are produced by public sector companies and are not connected to the internet or any wireless technologies.He advised students to verify the sources and authenticity of information before accepting or sharing it, particularly in today’s social media landscape. Kumar said India has around 100 crore voters and conducting elections on such a scale requires the involvement of a large number of officials and employees. He said the EC functions under the Constitution, election laws and prescribed rules to conduct elections.Kumar urged students who have completed 18 years of age to enrol themselves as voters. He said digital facilities provided by the EC could be used for voter registration and encouraged students to also make their families and others around them aware of voting.
