Context: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the Election Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce electoral literacy in educational institutions.

About Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)

• The initiative seeks to extend the EC's flagship programme, SVEEP into schools and colleges.

• It aims to include electoral literacy in the education system.

• The framework is a blend of structured curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities.

Objectives

• Engage students on issues pertaining to voting effectively.

• Capture the attention of young minds and educate them about the significance and value of their vote.

• Provide voter ID cards to every student upon reaching the voting age of 18.

• Empower pupils to become responsible, active citizens who understand and value the power of their vote.

Voting Trends in India

• India is home to one of the globe's youngest populations.

• 67.4% of people had cast votes in the General Election to Lok Sabha, 2019.

• 297 million out of 910 million people did not exercise their right to vote in 2019.

• The disinterest of young people in the election proceedings may lead to reluctance to vote in future.

• This new initiative will empower young individuals who will cast their votes for the first time.

Other Initiatives by ECI

• e-VIGIL App to make complaints against violation of election conduct.

• SUVIDHA Portal for filing nomination, permission etc.

• Radio series – ‘Matdata Junction’ in collaboration with All India Radio for voter awareness.