In a bid to boost voter awareness ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde led a collective voter pledge ceremony at the municipal headquarters today. The event was part of the State Election Commission’s voter awareness initiatives under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) program, which runs from November 8 to 19.

Dr. Shinde emphasized the importance of being equally aware of our duties as citizens as we are of our rights. He urged everyone to vote on November 20 to strengthen democracy and to encourage their families and friends to do the same. "It is not enough to simply take a verbal pledge; we must follow through and encourage others to vote as well”, Dr. Shinde remarked.
The ceremony, which was held at the Knowledge Centre at the municipal headquarters, was attended by various senior officials, including Additional Commissioner Mr. Sunil Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of the Administration Department Mr. Sharad Pawar, Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Mr. Satywan Ubale, Chief Auditor Mr. Jitendra Ingle, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Kisanrao Palande, Municipal Secretary Ms. Chitra Baviskar, and Sixth Health Officer Dr. Ratnaprabha Chavan. Numerous other officers and staff from the municipal corporation also participated in the pledge-taking event.

Mr. Sunil Pawar, the SVEEP Nodal Officer for Airoli and Belapur constituencies, shared insights into the extensive voter awareness activities planned by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. He highlighted the distribution of posters, hoardings, banners, and the use of social media to directly reach voters. Special focus will be given to areas with historically low voter turnout. "We have meticulously planned to ensure maximum voter participation and are encouraging municipal staff to promote voter awareness in the societies and neighbourhoods where they live", he said.
Additionally, the Election Commission's voter awareness song was broadcast during the event. To ensure effective implementation of the SVEEP program, Deputy Commissioner-level officers have been appointed as Nodal Officers in all eight municipal department areas. These officers will oversee the voter education activities designed to engage and mobilize as many voters as possible before the election day.

The voter pledge campaign, which was conducted simultaneously at various locations across Navi Mumbai, aims to inspire all eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote, furthering the mission of free and fair elections.