1 of 193

SVEEP ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

LOK SABHA GENERAL ELECTION 2014

2 of 193

Submitted by Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar

TABLE OF CONTENT

Serial Number

Subject Page

1 Table of contents 2

2 List of SVEEP activities in Bihar 3

3 Phase-wise Map of Lok Sabha General Election, 2014 in Bihar 4

4 Bihar's Electoral Profile and pattern of voter-turn out 5

5 Background of Parliamentary Elections of Bihar 6-7

6 SVEEP Strategy and Approach 8

7 Innovations in SVEEP implementations 9

8 Electoral Roll Revision 9-13

9 Voters Facilitations 14-19

10 Awareness Campaign using multiple channels of communications 19-23

11 Partnership 23-27

12 Pledge by Ex President of A.P.J Kalam and Sankalp Patra 28

13 Resource Mobilizations through Corporate Social Responsibility 28-29

14 SVEEP Monitoring Mechanism 29

15 Media Engagements / Press Reports 30

16 Special Groups or Communities drawn into process due to SVEEP efforts 30-32

3 of 193

LIST OF SVEEP ACTIVITIES IN BIHAR General Elections 2014

S.No Media Activities

1 Mass Media TV Spots (Broadcast through Doordarshan and otherother channels, Cables, Slides in Cinema/Video Halls during intervals and before the screening of films,etc)

Radio spots(through Radio FM /AIR etc)

Newspapers (Press advertisements and Press Insertions etc

2 Mid-Media/Outdoor Media

Hoardings and Banners on strategic locations ( ex College Campus/ Govt Departments/ Bus stands/ Railways stations/ Post offices etc

Posters, Banners on strategic locations, vehicles / Railway stations etc

Appeal from DM/DEO/ Message from Ex President A.P.J.Kalaam/ Sankalp Patra's

Jagrukta Rath (Campaign though dedicated vehicles)

3 Alternative Media Awareness throughAanganwadi workers

Awareness through Frontline Health Workers such as ANM, ASHA etc

Awareness through Jeevika activists/SHG's

Pledge Letters, Run for vote, Appeal Letters from DEO

Group Oath ceremonies at school /college / universities/ departments

Rallies/ Human Chain/ Candle Rally at school /college / universities/ departments

4 Traditional Media Nukkad Natak/ Street Theatre etc /Training of BLO and other filed activists

Runs/ Cycle Rally / Announcement on Railway stations

Folk songs/Dances/ Rallies

5 Social Media/ Websites Face book, Tweeters, YouTube etc

6 Celebrity Engagements State Icons like Ms Ratan Rajput and Mrs Sharda Sinha engaged as ambassadors

Posters and Banners with ethical messages from celeb like Dhoni, Kohli

7 Media Partnership Partnership with Radio FM/AIR and Cable networks

8 Interdepartmental Partnership

Health Department, General Administration Department, Art, Culture & Youth Department, ICDS Jeevika, Education Department

9 Social Mobilizations / CSR activities

Bihar Road Construction Corporation, Bihar State Pul Nirman Nigam Ltd., Building Construction Department

and Bihar State Beverage Corporation Ltd

10 Bulk SMS and Caller Tunes

Bulk SMS through Mobile subscribers like Airtel, Aircel, BSNL/, Reliance, SMS through Mobiles, Caller tune and Ring tones assigned with ethical messages etc

11 Voter Slip Distributions Face to face campaign though BLO / Sharing of key information's like dates and basic minimum facilities etc

4 of 193

Phase-wise Map of Lok Sabha General Election, 2014 in Bihar

PHASE-1

10.04.2014

PHASE-2

17.04.2014

PHASE-3

24.04.2014

PHASE-4

30.04.2014

PHASE-5

07.05.2014

PHASE-6

12.05.2014

5 of 193

Bihar's Electoral Profile

Total Number of Districts 38 Total Number of Parliamentary Constituencies 40 Total Number of Assembly Constituencies 243 Total Number of Polling Stations 59807 Total population of Bihar is - 111611333 (projected) Total Electors- 62108447 (as per final roll, 2014) Male Electors 3, 30, 98,022 Female Electors 2, 90, 08,544 Others Electors 1,818 EP Ratio 0.56(EP ratio was 0.54 in 2009) EPIC Coverage 99.48% Gender Ratio- 877

Pattern of Voter-turn in Bihar in last

two General Elections

Bihar has witnessed a significant rise of 12% in voter turnoutof Lok Sabha Election 2014

PHASE WISE - VOTER TURNOUT IN GENERAL ELECTION 2014 Phases Dates of Poll Percentage % of voting

Ist Phase 10.04.2014 53.00

2nd Phase 17.04.2014 54.40

3rd Phase 24.04.2014 59.43

4th Phase 30.04.2014 57.74

5th Phase 07.05.2014 56.57

6th Phase 12.05.2014 58.49

Voter turnout (till 4th phase) 56.28%

Voter turnout in (2009) 44%

Increase in voter turnout % 12.28%

6 of 193

Background of Parliamentary Elections of Bihar

Bihar being the birth place of first republic of the world, has always showed firm commitment to democracy, rather guided it to its cause so many times. Being the 12th largest states of India in terms of geographical area and 2nd in terms of population, Bihar may be put at the lower strata for many reasons but it stands alone so far as political activism is concerned. Election in Bihar has witnessed a fluctuating and decreasing trend of voter turnout both in Parliamentary and State Assembly Elections held during the last twenty years.The 12thgeneral election that was held in 1998 recorded the highest voter turnout of 64.06 % but the general elections that followed after could not maintain the rising trend of voter turnout and it came down to 44.4 % in general election that was held in 2009. A falling trend of voter turnout in Bihar parliamentary elections is evident from the Graph-1 cited below:

Voter turnout in any election is of immense relevance to the value or credibility that will be attached to its outcome. Voting in elections by citizens is very much encouraged in all democracies, as it is the basis of active citizenship. A high turnout is therefore seen as higher participation in decision-making and a seal of approval or legitimacy. In view of the fact that, voting is one of the most fundamental aspects of civic engagement, many political scientists link voting with the health of the democratic process and argue that declining voting rates may be symptomatic of a democratic deficit. Since political participation can also influence public policy, others are concerned that lower participation could result in policies that are not necessarily representative of key constituencies, like those who tend to vote less. As a result, the voter turnout rate is used as one of the indicators of civic engagement. The turnout at the General Elections in Bihar has been consistently low for some time now. The election department of Bihar commissioned a study "Baseline Survey of KABBP" to understand factors that may have accounted for the low voter turnout and strategies that need to be adopted to increase turnout.

40.5 42.9

47.0 51.5 49.0

60.8

51.9

58.8 60.7 60.4 59.5

64.6 61.5

58.0

44.4

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

1952 1957 1962 1967 1971 1977 1980 1984 1989 1991 1996 1998 1999 2004 2009

Graph 2: Voter Turnout (%) in Bihar Elections (Lok Sabha) since 1952 to 2009

7 of 193

The falling voter's participation in Bihar could be attributed to many factors and is a subject of study.Each State has a unique history, social, political and cultural setting based on which voter participation has to be seen. Some of the factors that affect the trend / voter turnout are as follows:

- The elector in Bihar faces sense of fear, intimidations and security mostly created by anti-social elements and candidates with criminal background. In past marginalized communities have come under serious attack and intimidation preventing many from voting. So in conduct of elections in Bihar free, fair and peaceful polls have always assumed primacy. Steps to ensure these compromises participation at times. So a delicate balance has to be struck between both.

- Migration, a grim reality in the state, is increasingly disturbing poll patterns. It is observed that

significant number of people in Bihar migrate primarily for livelihood opportunities and educational

opportunities. Though these people have their names in the electoral roll of Bihar but most of them

are unable to vote during elections as they are outside the State.

- In the electoral roll revision carried out in 2014, 38.7 lakh new voters were added (an increase of 6.5%). Further in the special enrollment camp organized on 9.3.2014 just before election announcement another 15.8 lakh new voters were added (a further increase of 2.5%). In total, 9% increase in the total voters took place, which is a very significant achievement in terms enrollment drive. But it is also a challenge to ensure that all these newly enrolled voters cast their vote.

- In Bihar, elections are a huge logistic exercise requiring large number of vehicles for transporting the police force, poll personnel, patrolling magistrate with EVMs, etc. As a result during elections almost all the commercial vehicles are requisitioned at the time of polls and almost no public transport is available for voters to commute on the day of polls. To add to this, as a tradition, in an effort to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections even private vehicles are not allowed to ply on the Election Day. This significantly affects the voter participation. In these elections, we have consciously tried to improve on this area.

- For decades the statehave been affected by left wing extremism particularly in Aurangabad, Gaya,

Nawada, Kaimur, Rohtas, Jamui, Munger and Banka. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) has affected the Lok Sabha seats such as Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and Hajipur in the recent years.

- A significant number of electors in Bihar may not have participated due to inconvenience related to

poor infrastructure and minimum facilities at polling stationssuch as improper roads, lack of public transportation, drinking waters, ramps for disabled shades and sitting arrangements, long queuesetc

- Illiteracy and lack of awareness about the significance of vote also tend to decrease the electors

participation in Bihar. The non-enrolment of the voters is due the lack of information and under-utilization of the existing information dissemination system.

- Apathy and Anger with the system especially among urban voters and youth could also be factor in cities. The trust in government and in politicians has decreased in many places due to criminalization of politics and increasing corruption in political class.

- Extreme climates such as hot weather, extreme cold and heavy rains might also have

systematically affected electoral participation in Bihar.

8 of 193

- Further, an analysis of district wise gender ratio suggests that in constituencies like Siwan, Saran, Gopalganj, Bhojpur, Aurangabad and Arwal district, the gender ratio gap is highest. These districts along with others needed a special attention on enrolment of eligible female electors.

- In certain cases lack of sensitivity about importance of each vote and casual attitude among electors may have contributed to lower voter-turn out.

SVEEP Strategy The overall SVEEP strategy in the state was to counter challenges that restrict the electoral participation in Bihar. SVEEP attempts to maximize the voter participation and turnout in the ongoing Lok Sabha General Elections 2014. The voter turnout in earlier Lok Sabha General Elections of 2009 was 44.4% for the entire state; hence efforts have been made to ensure that the eligible electors get enrolled and a maximum number of these registered electors exercise their rights of franchise in the ongoing Lok Sabha General Elections 2014 To maximize public engagement in the electoral process, the SVEEP strategy was designed to provide reliable and timely information to the public at all points of interaction and all aspects of life. The purpose was to reach out to a large numbers of the population using strategic communication approaches involving mass media, mid and outdoor media, interpersonal communications. While each medium is distinct and serves an individual purpose, they are inter-related and together form a holistic package. The process was carried out at all points of public interactions right from Panchayat level to District level.

BIHAR SVEEP

STRATEGY

Panchayat Level Panchayat Buildings, Schools, Sub-centers, Aaganwadi centers, Face to face/IPC campaign using frontline health workers, AWW, teachers, SHG members and BLO's

Block Level

Block buildings, PHCs, Police stations, Government buildings, RTPS counter, Video-Halls Banks, Bus Stands, Video Halls etc

District level

Collectorate, various Govt. office buildings, Universities, Schools, Colleges, Highways, Chouwks/Traffic Signals, Cinema Halls, Railway station, Bus stand, Post Offices, Banks, ATMs, etc

9 of 193

Further, facilitations, mobilization and electoral roll revisions campaign were carried to engage electors. The strategy emphasized the inclusion of identified groups such as youth; women etc by educating and motivating them to participate in the electoral process. This general election 2014 marks as unprecedented election for Bihar in terms of online voter registration, transparency and outreach initiatives.

SVEEP APPROACH The overall approach under SVEEP in Bihar was to reach out to each and every voter through research, media, communication, resource mobilizations, effective steering of partnerships, conducive law and order, confidence building measures through deployment of para-military forces, information, motivation and facilitations. Three main strategy adopted to facilitate the process were

1. Elecroral Roll Revision The Election Commission in Bihar organized special summary revision of electoral rolls of Parliamentary constituencies on specified dates as the qualifying date. All those who are 18 years on January 1 next year are eligible to submit applications for inclusion of their names in the electoral roll. A larger number of applications were filled for deletion, correction, and change in the address within a constituency. Trainings were imparted to all the booth level officers, sensitizing them on the important issues relating to roll revision. The Electoral Registration officer was made responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for an Assembly Constituency which itself is the roll for the Parliamentary Constituency in so far as that Assembly Segment is concerned.

2. Enabling Environment through Voter's Facilitations

Information

Educational

Motivation

Voters

Facilitation

Electoral- Roll

Revision

10 of 193

In order to create an enabling environment for electors and enhance the supply side various voters facilitation measures such as provision of basic minimum facilities (BMF), voter slip distribution, online registration, complaint facilities, GIS based polling station location facility, Web-based search facility, State help line number 1950 and SMS based information facility-56677were made operational in the state.

3. Increasing Electoral Participation through Information, Educational and Motivation

- Situation analysis to identify reasons of electoral participations - State and district SVEEP plan and core committee made functional - Partner Departments identified and regular coordination meetings held - CSR-Partner agencies identified and regular coordination meetings held - Campus ambassadors & CSO identified and made functional - Media & Communication Plan developed - Resource Mobilization

Innovations in SVEEP Implementation

In order to increase electoral participation, several innovative activities in planned manners were taken at the state and district level. These innovations focus on strategies that apply targeted activities through strategic interventions. In each of the areas mentioned below, many new initiative and innovations were done both at State and District level, which have been brought out in the forth-coming pages. Key innovative measures taken by the office of CEO in Bihar includes three main components: -

Electoral Roll Revision

11 of 193

Electoral Roll Revision

As per the direction of Election Commission, CEO of Bihar launched a comprehensive SVEEP plan for Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls w.r.t. 01.01.2012 for 100% registration of all eligible citizens. The Bihar state SVEEP Plan of Action included the following action points:-

- Situation analysis- Polling Stations in Bihar with lower voters registrations and reasons thereof identified. In addition to that, the Polling Stations with high number of vulnerable/excluded sections were also identified.

- Strategy: Further, based on the finding of the study, strategies were developed to address the

challenges. In consideration of the fact that registration process and methods are still far from being the friendliest, Commission took all the steps possible to facilitate registration of voters with least inconvenience to them in Bihar using rigorous media campaign, inter-personal communications through BLO and community based organizations.

Following activities were implemented in the state for an effective Electoral Roll Revision

1. Exclusive Youth-specific Campaign were designed and rolled out for getting them registered as voters, photo inclusion in electoral rolls, getting the EPIC and to exercise their franchise on the date of poll.

2. Exclusive Women-specific Campaign were designed and rolled out for their registration, inclusion

of photo in the roll, issue of EPIC and to exercise their right to vote.

3. Exclusive Urban-specific campaign launched selected districts, where urban participation is very poor/ low, to overcome the urban apathy, if any

4. Copies of Electoral Rolls may be to be provided to SLMA workers at Gram Panchayat besides

partner CSOs/ Departments and political parties.

5. Partner Departments / CSO were engaged to assist to the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and the Booth Level Officer in obtaining applications, photographs from the eligible and new voters in the polling station area and ensuring that electoral rolls are accurate and periodically updated.

12 of 193

As a part of preparations for Lok Sabha elections 2014, during the special summary revision 2014 a large-scale drive of de-duplication and error correction activities was undertaken to ensure greater and authentic electoral participation.

Salient features / achievements of Electoral Summary Revision, 2014 - Bridging the gap of Roll Gender Ratio and Census Gender Ratio:

A target to enroll 20 female eligible electors per Polling Station was given to all Districts for bridging the

gap in roll gender ratio. The total number of Polling Stations in Bihar being 59,807, the States overall

target for enrollment of female electors was 59,807 x 20 = 11,96,140 against which 19,13,139 female

electors were enrolled in SR, 2014. The roll gender ratio increased to 877 against 848 in the draft roll, a

net increase of 29.

- To increase the enrollment in 18-19 age group

The number of people in 18-19 age-group as per Census, 2011 in 2014 is 39,57,150 (based on Census

2011 projection). Thus, the target of enrollment in 18-19 age group was 19,78,575 (50% of the projected

figures). During the Special Summary Revision-2014, 12,74,102 electors were enrolled in this age-group.

Thus the total number of electors in 18-19 age group increased to 16,60,667.

- 100% photo/EPIC coverage in the electoral roll

The total number of non-photo electors was 11,59,334 in the draft roll. The target was to collect the

photographs of all non-photo electors during Special Summary Revision to achieve 100% photographs in

the roll. 34 districts from among the 38 achieved 100% coverage. The remaining districts came very close

to achieving this target. As a result, the percentage of photographs in the electoral roll now increased to

99.95%.

- Removal of duplicates in the electoral roll

The total number of possible duplicates generated by the software was 13,05,093 at the time of draft

publication of Electoral Roll w.r.t. 01.01.2014. The duplicates and errors were combined into one checklist

and polling station wise pdf copies of these check lists were circulated to all concerned officials with clear

cut direction to delete/rectify these in accordance with law within the stipulated time frame. The hard copy

of the check lists were also made available to all the political parties at the district level. The field officials

verified all possible duplicates. 3,14,128 were found to be actual duplicates and were deleted both through

Form-7 and suo-mottu during this revision.

- Correction of errors in the electoral roll

The total number of 53, 64,284 errors were generated by the software at the time of draft publication of

Electoral Roll w.r.t. 01.01.2014. All the errors were verified and 43, 38,562 errors were found to be actual

errors and these were rectified through Form-8 during the Summary Revision, 2014.

13 of 193

Enroll Your Name in the Electoral Roll of Lok Sabha

Search in E-Roll via SMS

Check Epic Details- Type ELE 10 digit & send to 56677

- Enrollment during Special Summary Revision, 2014 38.73 lakh new electors were added through Form 6 during Special Summary Revision, which was 6.55 %

of the total electors in the draft roll.

- Enrollment through Special Camps on 9th& 11th March, 2014.

As per direction of the Commission, Special Camps were organized for left out electors and massive SVEEP campaign was launched in the state for its wide publicity and dissemination among common citizens. It resulted into enrollment of 15, 82,374 electors, out of which 8, 85,455 were male and 6,96,919 were female.

2. Voters Facilitation Various activities were undertaken to create an enabling environment among voters at village, block and district level.

Search Enroll

Search in Pdf Search in E-

Roll

http://ceobihar.nic.in/searchinroll.html

14 of 193

- Forms 6, 7, 8 and 8A were made available at prominent places including Banks and Post Offices having large footfall besides in all Colleges and Universities, and also in High Schools for newly eligible electors.

- Special registration camps were conducted in weekly haats, during festivals and through mobile vans.

- Voters Facilitation Centres facilitate voters and provide requisite information and services like display of Voter lists, issue of duplicate EPIC etc. Facilitation Booths were also set up at strategic locations to assist voters.

- Voters Help lines were launched in districts to facilitate the voters in getting right information on the electoral processes.

- Search facility in Voter List was provided through CEOs website and also through SMS. Similarly facility for searching location of the polling station is also provided on the CEOs website.

- EVM awareness/familiarization camps were conducted at Village Panchayats, Haats, Bazaars, community Centres etc.

- Voter Slip was distributed among all electors close to the polling day providing key information to electors and also serving as a reminder as well as an invitation.

- Apart from EPIC other identity proofs are allowed for voting and a list of such documents is released by the Election Commission of India well before the date of polling.

- Polling hours were extended to facilitate voters based on requirements - Polling Stations were made voter friendly through setting up of ramps, separate queue for women,

facility like drinking water, toilets, shade and adequate lighting etc

Voters could also avail details of their Electoral Roll Information through SMS

facility by sending a text message 'ELE (space) (EPIC number)' to 5667

Basic facilities at Polling Stations (BMF) The Commission has recently issued instructions to the Chief Electoral Officers of all States/ UTs to

ensure that every Polling Station is equipped with Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) like drinking water,

shed, toilet, and ramp for the physically challenged voters and a standard voting compartment etc. The

56677

56677

ELE ABC1234567

56677

15 of 193

DEO and the Returning Officer (RO) shall do an advance exercise well before the election to get the

conditions of the polling stations physically verified by the field officials. The Sector Officers should visit

each polling station / location within his / her jurisdiction to assess whether it is use worthy. The Returning

Officer should physically verify 10% of the polling stations /locations.In this regard in Bihar all the

necessary efforts were made to ensure that basic minimum facilities are available to ensure a smooth

electoral participation at polling stations.

The office of CEO engaged various departments to provide Basic minimum facilities (BMF) at Polling

station. These departments are actively engaged at PS to ensure the voters are comfortable. The role of

each department was specified for a better synergy:-

- Department of Education for renovation of school building, ramps, furniture, sheds etc.

- Energy Department for providing electricity connections in Polling Stations through special Camps.

- Public Health Engineering Department (PHED's) for provision of waters, hand pumps repairing and

new connections, toilets etc.

- Panchayati Raj Department for providing infrastructures in Polling Stations through 14th Finance

Commission funds etc.

Model Polling Stations

As per the directive of the Chief electoral officer in Bihar, atleast one model polling station was set-up in each block to enhance the voter turnout and also offer the voters a pleasant and comfortable experience. The purpose was to model the most effective method of dealing with the voter including the range of circumstances that polling station staff faces. In the state there were various models depending on the space available and the layout of the polling station. The police officers stationed at the entry point of each model polling station scrutinized the voter slips of voters and politely guided everyone to their respective booths The polling station stood different with a welcome arch at the entrance, green carpets, shamiana, first-aid facilities, drinking water and chairs for the aged. In addition, ornamental plants were placed in a row. These stations were equipped with air cooler and neatly laid tables. The model PS was designed to ensure there was suitable and accessible space such that all delegates can see and hear. The model polling stations in Bihar ensured that-

there was enough space for the voters to wait outside the polling station;

that there was separate waiting space for men and women as far as practicable; that there was separate entrance and exit for voters. This purpose was achieved by tying a rope to make separate entrance and exit through the same door;

that there is easy flow of voters from the time they enter the polling station to the time they leave it and there is no crises-cross movement within the polling station;

that the polling agents sat in such a way that they could see the face of an elector as and when he enters the polling station and is identified by the first Polling Officer so that they can challenge the identity of the elector, if need be.

the seating arrangement of all the Polling Officers was made in such position that they were in a position to see the voter actually marking the ballot paper;

if there is only one door to the room housing the polling station, separate entrance and exit was provided with the help of bamboo's and ropes in the middle of the door-way.

16 of 193

the compartments inside was sufficiently lighted. Wherever necessary, arrangement for suitable lighting was provided for each compartment.

All polling stations for the Lok Sabha election in Bihar were declared no-smoking zones. Bihar is the second state after Jammu & Kashmir to have ordered that all the polling booths be made smokeless

zones. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer instructed all district electoral officers-cum-district magistrates in Bihar to ensure the prohibition of smoking at booths as per the directive of Section 4 of COTPA which bans smoking at public places and provides for imposition of a fine of Rs 200 on the law violator.

Pic- Model Polling Station in Dist Saaran

Voter slips Distribution to all Electors ahead of polls Distribution of voters' slip to electors, an experiment used by election commission in last assembly polls in the state, has once again proved useful in increasing turnout in Bihar. All those people, who have their names in the voters' list, will get the slip, which they could use to cast their votes. The slip provided by the BLO's will carry the name of the voter, booth number, the voter's number in the list, date of poll, time of poll and message encouraging the voter to vote. It was an excellent step towards assisting a voter to reach the right polling booth. An appeal from the DEO was also enclosed with these voter' slips. Approximately 87% of slips have been distributed so far by the BLO's in all parliamentary constituencies.

To allay fears of parties, EC was cautious in distribution of these slips to voters. All booth level officers (BLO) were instructed to print only one set of electors slip and hand it over personally to the voter concerned. Returning officer (RO) of each constituency was asked to oversee the distribution and prepare a schedule for it. Further, in order to reduce any possibility of misuse of these slips, bulk distribution was completely prohibited. The commission with the help of district administration organized special camp in urban assembly segments. The electors who could not receive their voter slip collected their voter slips through their BLOs available at the polling booths. Undistributed voter slips were kept at facilitation desk outside each polling station on the day of voting.

17 of 193

VOTER SLIPS DISTRIBUTION

Phases Date of Polling Percentage % distributed

Ist Phase 10.04.2014 75

2nd Phase 17.04.2014 85

3rd Phase 24.04.2014 93

4th Phase 30.04.2014 90

5th Phase 07.05.2014 91 6th Phase 12.05.2014 91

Aggregate % so far 87.5 Further, as the State still has a significant number of illiterate voters and as an awareness initiative, the BLOs while distributing the voter slips orally informed the voters about the BMF at the polling stations, date and time of polls, voter slip in itself is an alternate document and also request the voters to exercise their franchise.

Helpline: Helpline has been established to facilitate the voters regarding their election related queries-The toll-free helpline set up by the Election Commission of India to address queries on voter enrolment has been of much use to callers, as 5860 calls answered till date. A person can dial the toll free number 1800-345-1950 and get any information relating to elections and electoral roll. Several enrolled and aspiring voters have dialed the helpline numbers with questions on the enrolment process, change of address and correction of mistakes.

The commission had given directives to take action on all complaints within a time limit. Call centres had

also been functional to inform the complainants about the action taken. The calls are recorded and the

callers telephone or mobile numbers were

registered for acknowledgment.

Webcasting

As per the instruction of the Election Commission of webcasting of the proceedings of the polling was availbale for public viewing on a specifed link as http://210.212.18.115/pdm/GE14/stream.aspx. Further, as per the process of web-casting cameras were placed in such a manner that they can record the voters in the queue, and the proceedings in the polling station, including the process of identification of voters, and application of indelible ink. However, it was ensured that the camera in any manner does not violate secrecy of voting. The webcasting feed / link was made available on the website

18 of 193

of CEO Bihar to public for viewing with an effort to make the poll process more transparent and enable the people to understand and gain confidence and comfort with the election process.

Website of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer-

The domain name" www.ceobihar.nic.in" is the official website of Biahr Chief Electoral Officer. It is made

for improve communication between the electors of Bihar and the department of elections in Bihar. It

provides adequate and relevant information about the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and the various

activities conducted by the department. Various important Forms are also available on the site for

download purposes.

The website of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar provides facility to electors to check their names from the

website. They may use the facility tocheck their polling stations, details of phase wise dates of voting,

alternative documents, availibility of basic facilities at polling stations, names of their BLO's etc.

19 of 193

Appeal Letter from District Election officers

District election officers had been directed to send appeal letters along with voter slips which would be distributed a few days before the polling day.The district election officer appealed electors to vote fearlessly without being influenced by considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement. They appealed voters not to treat the voting day, as a holiday and step out of their homes to cast their votes in a large number. In Bihar a large number of such letters from DEO's of each district were issued along with voters slip to invite electors to exercise their rights. This enabled electors to feel confident and also develop a sense of active citizenship in the state.

Pic- Sample of an appeal letter from the office of DEO

3. AWARENESS CAMPAIGN USING MULTIPLE CHANNELS AND PARTNERS

Baseline Survey of Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, Belief and Practices (KABBP)

CEO office, entrusted the task of carrying out a study entitled, 'Baseline Survey of Knowledge, Attitude,

Behavior, Belief and Practices (KABBP)' to A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna. The broad

objective of this study is to map the driving factors responsible for the voter turnout and also to identify the

reasons acting behind the low and high voter turnout during recently held general and assembly elections

have witnessed. The findings of the study provided some inputs that useful in determining the strategic

intervention for voter turnout in the ongoing elections. The study was relevant to address the grave

concern of the Election Department caused due to the depressing trend of Voters participation in

elections. High participation by voters in elections do give an encouraging sign in a democratic polity. But

a decreasing trend rings alarm bell for democracy. Larger the participation of people in voting, better it is

for a vibrant democracy. In this context the study undertaken by the institute gave an important opportunity

for all the stakeholders to know the realities of the situation and helped in implementation of SVEEP plans

in the state.

20 of 193

Social Media (Facebook, Tweeters and YouTube): CEO Bihar has emphasized the extensive use

of social media to spread awareness especially young voters. Social media tools like Face book, Twitter,

YouTube etc were used to encourage young and urban voters to exercise their fundamental right. The

objective behind the campaign was also to enroll new voters 18-19 years of age and to minimize the low

turn-out at the polling booths. The online campaign has played crucial role in enhancing greater youth

electoral participation for a stronger and participatory democracy. Gradually, the face book page of the

CEO is increasingly becoming popular in the state with around 2523 likes around 409 users taking about

it.

Bulk SMS/ Partnership with key service providers in the state: The Office of CEO, Bihar

engaged key mobile subscribers like BSNL, UNINOR, AIRCEL, AIRTEL, and Reliance under CSR to

create awareness for electoral participation among their customers through bulk SMS. The CEO office has

used its existing mobile database (1.25 crore numbers) under RTPS/SANJIVANI (Govt schemes) to send

the messages amongst electors in Bihar. Till date 3.5 crores SMS's informing elector's regarding polling

day, time etc on the day of poll and a day before have been sent. The slogan of message on a day before

election was " "Bina kisi pralobhan ke bhaymukt hokar vote"and the slogan on day of poll was"Humne

to vote diya kya aapne vote dala ya nahi?The following table shows the phase wise SMS campaign

details:-

PHASE- WISE CAMPAIGN THROUGH SMS

Phase Date of Polling Mobile agencies engaged in sending poll related sms

Ist Phase 10.04.2014 CEO Office Uninor Aircel

2nd Phase 17.04.2014

3rd Phase 24.04.2014

21 of 193

4th Phase 30.04.2014 Airtel Reliance

5th Phase 07.05.2014

6TH Phase 12.05.2014

Total 39694489

Mobile Caller Tune: In partnership with the BSNL, caller tune has been assigned with ethical messages to motivate users/electors to exercise their right of franchise. Special caller tune motivating elector's "to vote" has been used to inspire the people to vote. As soon as one calls any of these BSNL numbers, the song "voting is your right" starts to play instead of the usual ring tones. Cell phone's caller tune as the latest strategy implemented by CEO Bihar reaches a huge population of Bihar.

Brand Ambassador: TV celebrity Ms.Ratan Rajput (popularly known as Lalliya on TV screen) from amongst the popular youth figures in state was nominated as the brand ambassador to mobilize youths and women.The celebrity participated in various events at various locations across the state particularly colleges and spread the message of democratic engagements.

Pic 1, Ratan Rajput at her PS to cast vote and, Pic 2: Ratan Rajput, at a function at her alma mater

Magadh Mahila College on Saturday, urged the students to exercise their right to vote in the ongoing Lok

Sabha elections in the state.

Ms. Rajput also took part in an awareness run between Patna Zoo and Gandhi Maidan along with

thousands of men and women who, at the end of the marathon, pledged to cast their votes and urge

22 of 193

friends, neighbors, and family members to also exercise their right to vote. She also visited various

districts in Bihar ( eg Patna, Aara, Buxar, Begusarai, Motihari and Muzzafarpur) to educate and motivate

voters towards electoral participation. The massive size hoardings placed at several locations in the city

displaying the pictures of Rajput appeared in posters and hoarding with slogans " Mat dena aapka

adhikar badle me na le koi upkar" and Loktantra hamse hai and vote kare Garv se "at various

locations in the districts.

Pic: Ms. Rajput hoardings installed in various locations of Bihar inspiring youths to be a proud voter

Pic: Voter awareness function was organised at Patna Women's College on the occasion of National

Voters' Day in Patna on January 25, 2014

Brand Ambassador: In addition to that, Election Commission of Bihar also appointed Shrimati Sharda

Sinha a folk singer and Padma Shri awardee as an ambassador to motivate citizens to vote and become

an active citizen. Shrimati Sinha who is legendary voice sang in around six local and regional dialects to

motivate electorates to cast their votes during the ensuing general elections. The song recorded in her

voice in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika and Hindi has been used in advertisements on radio and

television to spread awareness among the voters. Her melodious voice draws the attention of the voters.

The 40 second to one minute appeal to use the right to vote were telecast on all television channels till the

end of poll,

23 of 193

Pic 1, Sharda Sinha to cast her vote and Pic -2 Tohar vote ke mol anmol, batania dabayihin jarur, (Your

vote is most valuable, you must press the button), the Bihars nightingale Sharda Sinha beckons while

emphasising on the importance of voting.

.Major Partners

In order to expand its outreach and the maximum turnout the office of CEO has engaged various state

level agencies/departments/civil society organizations to disseminate messages targeting voters for

greater electoral participations. These departments/agencies have been actively involved in publicizing

SVEEP material at state HQ's, districts and village Panchayat level through various outreach activities.

Departments that were involved in the process were:

- Education Department- In partnership with the Education Department in Bihar a massive election awareness campaign was taken up as part of the 102nd Bihar Diwas celebrations across the state. Around 2.2 crore children studying in 72,000 government primary, middle and high schools of Bihar today affirmed that they have secured promises from their parents that they will cast vote in the Lok Sabha elections. Apart from it, several cultural programmes,essay competition, rallies, Prabhat pherries, parent teachers meeting etc on issues of voter's education were organized at the schools to mark the 102nd Bihar foundation day.

- Social Welfare Department Sankalp Patra, rallies,door to door meetings, Gram Varta and related awareness program were organized by Aanganvadi workers in many districts of Bihar to mobilize and sensitize electors toward electoral participation.

- Department of Health - Voter education and voters participation campaign were undertaken by frontline health workers like Asha/ANM under Pulse Polio campaign and other ongoing Routine immunization program. Posters and Hoarding were installed sub-centres, Primary health centre and community health centers to inform the voters about the importance of voting, dates of polling, BMF etc. Ethical messages were printed on Sanjeevini to motivate the electors towards the electoral participation.

- Department of Art, Culture & Youth Youths in Bihar were mobilized through various voter awareness campaign undertaken Scouts and guides, NCC (National Carded corporations) , Nehru Yuva Kendara (NYK), Members of National Social Service (NSS). Awareness campaign in all districts were organized through sports competitions, paintings, rallies etc

24 of 193

- Department of General Administrations- Information and Education campaign using the Right to public service (RTPS) acknowledgment slips were carried out to inspire electors for voting. Till date 1033183 slips were issued so far in Bihar to inform and motivate voters.

- Electors especially women and first time voters were mobilized and sensitized on significance of electoral participations in partnership with Mahila Samakhya Samiti and Mahila Vikash Nigam. Posters, rallies, meeting with SHG's and other awareness related activities with ethical messages were undertaken at different levels in all constituencies to inform, motivate and educate members of the Mahila Samakhya and mahila vikas nigam.

- Information and Public Relation Department- In partnership with the Information and Public Relation Department various voters education and motivation campaign were launched in Bihar. IPRD organized cultural troupes through their Drama and Songs Division, perform Nukkar Nataks at the field level. Promotional activities like playing of videos messages, radio jingles on popular TV and Radio channels were carried out in the whole state. Frequent media insertions in print media, visual and audio insertion in electronic media were released for general information voters. IPRD acted as a nodal office to carry out media activities in state by supporting in coordinating and organizing press conferences, press briefing and press advertisement in newspapers.

Partnership with Jeevika

Jeevika has mobilized 1940061 households into the fold of 156572 Self Help Groups for their social and economic upliftments in Bihar. Jeevika supported SVEEP through awareness among community particularly in remote areas for the Lok Sabha Elections 2014. Major awareness related activities undertaken by Jeevika were:- -Initially provided orientation to all the district staffs/cadres of Jeevika responsible to nurture and guide SHGs and larger federations of SHG i.e. village Organisation. Through these orientations cadres were briefed about the importance of voting and the voting rights of a citizen. Sharda Sinhas (famous singer of Bihar) voters awareness song was also played to sensitize and educates the cadres. The song was shared with community cadres for further communication in their mobiles.

- Jeevika also used various communication materials designed under SVEEP or creating awareness such as flex banners and Leaflets. These approved materials by Election Commission were used in trainings and further distributed to each cadre depending upon the number of their SHGs. The Flex banner, were to used in Prabhat Pheri for election awareness.

25 of 193

- Rallies were organized by the entire 6771 village organization twice before the polling day. Entire members of village organization participated in the rally which covered the whole village. As of now 8418 rallies have been done till now in 33 districts of Bihar.

- Nukkad Natak (Street Plays) - Inspired by the script provided by the office of CEO, the community resource persons engaged by Jeevika in Nalanda and Gaya performed Nukkad Naataks to educate electors.

26 of 193

- Taking Oath - Awareness campaign in all village concluded by ceremony of "Taking Oath at the SHG levels". Special SHG meeting was organized four days before polling day throughoutthe district in which our Didi took vow for voting and exerting their right.

Partnership with COMFED: With the support of COMFED, mass awareness campaign at all milk

parlors, milk-distribution vehicle has been initiated in the state. Key messages regarding electoral

participation on the packet of milk were printed and placed.

Posters on Sudha Milk Parlors in Nalanda Bihar

Pic- Posters on Sudha Dairy Vehicles

27 of 193

Partnership with Women Development Corporation-The members of women Development

Corporation carried out awareness programs and activities in districts.

Partnership with Radio Channels/ TV/Cable networks:

Motivational video/audio clips were broadcast in Doordarshan/AIR and other TV/Radio channels. The

messages on "on importance to vote" were also disseminated through scrolls in local cable and slides in

cinema halls. Media, both print and electronic, played a proactive role in coverage of events. Then voter

awareness programmes through partnership on Doordarshan, AIR, through Field and Publicity Division,

Cultural Department of Education Department, Public Relation and Information Department, etc. were

taken up actively. A detailed plan was obtained based on the different phases of elections from both DD

and AIR. This was followed up with a weekly report regarding execution of planned activities.

Railway Station (announcements, Audio Clips,hoardings and Posters

With the help of the Department of Railways, awareness activities on importance of voting through

poster/banner display on the railway platforms, trains for passengers were carried out in the whole state.

28 of 193

Vote for nations pledge by Ex President of A.P.J Kalam and Sankalp Patra

Resource Mobilizations through Corporate Social Responsibility Creative and financial resources were mobilized to carry out media campaign in the state .Human resource like artists, content developers, cultural troupes etc were engaged to support the voter awareness campaign in the state. Agencies like Doordarshan/All India Radio provided free of cost airtime to broadcast TV and Radio programs on their channels. PSUs/Corporate provided sponsorships and financial resource to carry out poster and hoarding campaign in the state Similarly, Departments like Railways, Airports, Banks etc for providing infrastructure for dissemination and display, Private Media Houses for providing print space, airtime, content etc Hoardings, Posters to educate voter's and motivate them for electoral participation were printed and disseminated by following department

- Bihar State Beverage Corporation - Bihar Rajya Pool Nirman Nigam - Bihar Road Construction Corporation - Bihar Educational Infrastructure Development Corporation - Bihar Medical Infrastructure Corporation - Bihar Building Construction Corporation

29 of 193

PLACEMENTS/DISTRIBUTION OF HOARDINGS AND POSTERS by State level CSR Partners

Phase Date Posters Hoardings Ist Phase 10.04.2014 187600 379 2nd Phase 17.04.2014 172900 420 3rd Phase 24.04.2014 206038 991 4th Phase 30.04.2014 182840 813 5th Phase 07.05.2014 232400 968 6th Phase 12.05.2014 56400 285 Total numbers poster/hoardings distributed till date 1038178 3856

Partner Agencies like Doordarshan/All India Radio engaged artists, content developers, cultural troupes etc for content creation

PSUs/Corporate associated through sponsorships and financial resource

Departments like Railways, Airports, Banks etc for providing infrastructure for dissemination and display,

Private Media Houses for providing print space, airtime, content etc.

SVEEP Monitoring Mechanism

Mid period review and constant monitoring of SVEEP programme in the districts is conducted to assess the efficacy of the interventions including about the timely and proper utilisation of funds. Regular Video Conferences were organised by the office of the CEO with all DEOs for review of implementation. The programme was reviewed at the national and state level. The office of the CEO in Bihar developed a systematic mechanism for monitoring of the implementationof SVEEP activities at district and state level. Various corrective actions whenever required e.g. Video Conferencing with DEOs, regular meetings with partners and district SVEEP nodal officers, orders, field visits were undertaken. In order to keep the track of the activity from HQ a daily, weekly and fortnightly reports were obtained in prescribed formats.

SMS based Poll Day Monitoring SMS based poll day mechanism for accuracy;transparency and accountability have been initiated and managed from the HQ's. The process is used to obtain hourly updates regarding the male/female vote cast from every registered polling booth. Hourly update regarding polling process, right from the arrival of the polling parties to the departure from the booth. Events that are reported are "starting to mock poll, polling started, and hourly male female voter-turnout. To facilitate this process training of trainers was organized for sector magistrate and presiding officers at district level. The process involves the registration of the mobile numbers of concerned officers. Monitoring cell has been established at every control room to facilitate and monitor presiding officer/ sector magistrate to send timely SMS.This is most authentic means of obtaining voter turnout.

30 of 193

Media Engagements / Press Reports The office of the CEO has been rigorously involved in building media momentum through media campaigns, media insertions and press advertisements. Information regarding different phases, process, dates, and alternative documents were printed to educate electors and increase participations. Press releases and PRESS conference on daily basis was released to update voters on daily basis.

Pic: Newspapers cuttings regarding Electoral Updates 11. Examples of special Groups /or Communities (if any) which were drawn into process due to

special effort

An analysis of district wise gender ratio shows that in constituencies like Siwan, Saran, Gopalganj, Bhojpur, Aurangabad and Arwal district, the gender ratio gap is highest. These districts along with others were paid special attention on enrolment of eligible female electors. Bihar SVEEP strategy extensively

31 of 193

involved women in order to inform and facilitate them about enrolment in electoral roll and about the importance of voting in election. Due to increase in the percentage of youth electors in the current electoral roll the SVEEP strategy also focused its effort on the youth to inform, enable and motivate them for participation in the voting process. As a part of preparations for Lok Sabha elections 2014, during the special summary revision 2014 a large scale drive of de-duplication and error correction activities was undertakento ensure greater and authentic electoral participation. Based on the statistics youth/young voters constitute the maximum number of elector's.

Hoardings/Posters to sensitize urban youths in Bihar

32 of 193

Special Groups/ Communities which were drawn into the Electoral Process

Serial no

Target Activity Partnership/Agencies to be associated

1 Women House to house contacts, Mela, Nautanki, Information through Television, Radio, Posters, Banners, Pamphlets, State Icons ( Ratan Rajput and Sharda Sinha), Awareness through Aanganwadi worker and Health worker , Awareness through JEEVIKA activists

Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare,Information and Public Relation Department College Students, Universities, School/College students, SaksharBharat Preraks, State Icons, Bihar Rural Livelihood Mission

2 Youth Hoarding, Posters, Banners, SMS through Mobile, Caller tune of the Mobile , Information through Television, HumanChain, Rallies, Mobile based services like SMS, website based services, Media based publicity (radiojingles, video messages, news paperinformation), Music show, run for voteetc

College Students, Electronic/Printmedia, cultural troupe, campus ambassadors, on-political organizations, Nehru Yuva Kendra, NCC, NSS, Rotary Club,Red Cross,etc.

3 Urban Debate, Essay, Slogan, Painting, Writing competitions. Human chains, Prabhat Ferries, Sankalp Patra, Pledge letters, Appointment of Campus ambassadors. Road Shows, Humanchains, Cycle Races,Processions, Mobile based services like SMS, website basedservices etc.

College Students, Electronic/Printmedia, cultural troupe, Campus ambassadors, etc.

4 Identified community Nukkad Natak, Songs, Drama, Media Publicity, Confidence building measuresthrough better law and order situation, Voters facilitations measures likeensuring 100% EPIC distribution,enrollment etc

Governmentdepartments, NLMA, Media (Electronic,Print) intervention and facilitation by localadministration etc.

5 Physically disabled, Old Persons etc.

Ensuring proper facilities measureslike Ramp, Water, Shade, sitting arrangements First aid incase of need

Intervention andfacilitation by local Admi\nistration,NLMA , NCC etc.

33 of 193

34 of 193

Contact Us Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Address: 7, Sardar Patel Marg (Mangles Road), Patna - 800015 , Bihar. Phone: 0612-2217956 E-Mail : ceo_bihar@eci.gov.in

mailto:ceo_bihar@eci.gov.in

35 of 193

Aurangabad - Format B

SVEEP information Template to be submitted by DEOs

S. NO. Description

1 District SVEEP Plan/Strategy

1.1 Specific District ICON/Ambassador (if any)

12 Campus Ambassadors have been nominated

1.2 MASCOT/LOGO (if any) Mera Vote Mera Bhavishya Vote Dega Aurangabad

1.3 Documentation / MIS / Reports a) District, Block & Panchayat level - Three tier SVEEP committees were formed. The block level committee headed by the circle officer collected information from the Panchayat committee and these reports were daily sent to the District Level Committee. Thus documentation regarding the SVEEP activity was done at each level.

b) The 10% Polling Stations with the lowest turnout in 2009 LS election in each block were identified and in such areas special programmes under the active supervision of the District SVEEP committee were organised. As compared to other areas of the district, the voters awareness programmes were organised thrice in these areas.

c) General information regarding all the election related activities in the district is also available at Facebook ID Vote Dega Aurangabad.

1.4 State/District website updates and feedback

Details of all the candidates, contact no of all the election related officials, staff, booth list etc are available on the website.

2 Identified Non participants

2.1 Excluded Groups Women voters in 2009 LS election.

2.2 Analysis of Threat/Challenges to Participation Apathy towards voting

3 Target of Participation-Quantitative 65%

3.1 Target of Participation-Qualitative Motivate women and young voters to come

out and vote.

36 of 193

4 Key Interventions Enrolment/Inclusion/Turnout

4.1 Strengths of key Interventions a) Women workers at local level i.e. ASHA, AWW were very helpful as they communicated comfortably and effectively with the excluded group (Women voters)

b) School children helped in organizing rallies, human chains and Prabhat Pheri for motivating the voters . Further through SANKALP PATRAS they also helped in encouraging their parents to vote.

4.2 Challenges/Constraints of Key Interventions

a) Hesitation among women workers at local level to move around and motivate the voters in areas perceived to be unsafe because of naxal threat.

5 Partnerships

5.1 Central Govt. Sector ----

5.2 State Govt. Sector ICDS, Health, Education, Rural Development,

Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited.

5.3 Private/Corporate sector

5.4

Media The local newspapers of the district helped in creating the right kind of awareness among the voters by prominently covering all the important election related activities in the district particularly the programmes organised under SVEEP.

5.5

NGO/CSO Sector NLM, Yogi ji Seva Sansthan, Gayatri Institute of Technology, Prahari, Akhil Bhartiya Netaji Forum

5.6 Others Nehru Yuva Kendra, Mahila Vikas Nigam

6 Media Use (qualitative summary)

6.1 Electronic ----

6.2

Print Information regarding special registration camps and DMs appeal to vote was published in the prominent local newspapers on a number of occasions . Further in all the press conferences, appeals were made through the media to the voters to come out and vote.

6.3 Interpersonal -----

6.4 Folk Media At local level (Panchayat)

6.5 Theatre, Street Plays etc Total 97 street Plays were organised

throughout the district

6.6

Internet and Social Media Launched on Facebook Vote Dega Aurangabad and this is linked with the official website of the district

6.7 Others Video clips for motivating the voters were

37 of 193

played in the cinema halls in the district.

7 Mass Mobilisation Initiatives (qualitative summary)

7.1

Rallies, human chains etc By schools and NLM; 217 for low VTR areas; 115 to reduce gender gap and 184 to motivate youths

7.2 Sports Competitions ------

7.3 Debates/Quiz competitions 3 competitions to motivate the youths

7.4 Mock Polls, EVM demonstration etc Held in all the 204 Panchayats and the 4

urban areas

7.5 Others

8 Innovations a) Between 15th to 17th of March 2014 Holi Hurdang was organised to motivate the voters

b) During Bihar Diwas on 22nd of March 2014 performances through folk songs and arts were organised for creating voter awareness.

9 Case Studies (if any)

38 of 193

Begusarai- Format B

SVEEP information Template to be submitted by DEO

S.

No.

Description Soft copy in word file (CD/or email)

1 District SVEEP Plan/Strategy to increase the voter turnout by at least 15

% compared to last LS election, for this

purpose to launch comprehensive voter

awareness campaign throughout

constituency

1.1 Specific District ICON/Ambassador (if

any)

------------

1.2 MASCOT/LOGO (If any) ------------

1.2 Documentation /MIS/ Reports voter awareness campaign was launched

throughout the constituency, Nukkad-

nataks were performed in low voting

percentage area, hoardings-flexes were

installed all across the district, voter

awareness chariot was moved everywhere,

posters were pasted on buildings, stickers

were pasted on households, cycle rally,

prabhat pheri was organised, pledge letters

were distributed among school children,

quiz,debate etc were organised in colleges,

appeal letters were sent to voters, press

releases were issued, press conference was

organized, special camps for registration

were held, photo voter slips were

distributed in houses, special initiatives

were taken to meet the problem of gender

gap and fight urban apathy, campaigns

were started for informed and inducement

free voting.

1.3 State/District website updates and updates were done regularly, it was taken

39 of 193

feedback by the public at large positively

2 Identified Non participants None

2.1 Excluded Groups None

2.2 Analysis of Threat/Challenges to

Participation

urban apathy, gender gap, vulnerable

groups

3 Target of Participation Quantitative 65 %

3.1 Target of Participation Qualitative informed, ethical and inducement free

voting

4 Key Interventions

Enrolment/Inclusion/Turnout

campaigns were launched for voter

awareness

4.1 Strengths of Key Interventions meticulously- designed plan

4.2 Challenges/Constraints of Key

Interventions

urban apathy, gender gap, vulnerable

groups

5 Partnerships

5.1 Central Govt sector railway and others

5.2 State Govt sector all state govt. offices

5.3 Private/corporate sector IOC and others

5.4 Media all print and electronic media

5.5 NGO/CSO sector civil society

5.6 Others banks, dairy, women development

40 of 193

corporation, NYK etc.

6 Media Use (qualitative summary)

6.1 Electronic effective

6.2 Print very effective

6.3 Interpersonal very effective

6.4 Folk Media very effective

6.5 Theatre, Street Play etc very effective

6.6 Internet and Social Media effective

6.7 Others

7 Mass Mobilisation initiatives

(qualitative summary)

7.1 Rallies, human chains etc very effective

7.2 Sports Competitions very effective

7.3 Debates/Quiz competitions very effective

7.4 Mock Polls, EVM demonstration etc very effective

7.5 Others

8 Innovations stickers pasted on houses proved to be very

effective

9 Case Studies (if any) initiatives need to be taken to meet urban

apathy and the aspirations of subaltern

groups

41 of 193

Bhagalpur- Format B

SVEEP information Template to be submitted by DEOs (latest by 15th May)

S

No.

Description Soft copy in word file (CD/or email)

1 District SVEEP Plan/ Strategy Enclosed

(Annexure - 1)

1.1 Specific District

ICON/Ambassador (if any)

30 Campus Ambassador

1.2 MASCOT/LOGO (if any)

1.2 Documentation /

MIS/Reports

Documentation has been done at district level and

fortnightly report sent to CEO, Bihar

1.3 State/District website update

and feedback

Daily updation on Dashboard of CEO Bihar's website

has been done.

2 Identified Non participants 6 groups of village/ tola level were identified as non-

participants due to different reasons.

2.1 Excluded Group 890 slums / mahadalit tolas were identified as

excluded groups and special care had been taken of.

2.2 Analysis of

Threat/Challenges

i.) Distance of booth in few cases.

ii) Demand of road Construction, Electricity supply

etc.

iii) Error in Electoral Roll.

iv) Migration for Jobs.

v) Urban apathy.

vi) Lack of information.

vii) Lack of awareness about the importance of each

vote.

42 of 193

3 Target of Participation -

Quantitative

We had set participation target in quantity as 55% to

65 % based on past GE 2009 (43.87%) and ground

reality. We achieved 58.07 %, which is 14.20

percentage point more than GE 2009.

3.1 Target of Participation -

Qualitative

We focused on Women, Youth & Expenditure

Sensitive Pockets for qualitative participation. 358

VAG/WAG were formed. Informed and Ethical voting

was promoted through awareness campaign.

4 Key Intervention

Enrolment/Inclusion/Turnout

(a) Enrolment - Women and Youth enrolment were

ensured in special camps, especially with the help of

campus ambassadors. Special Camp on 09-03-2014

was held effectively. As a result 124901 new electors

were included.

(b) Inclusion - We had taken special care of excluded

groups. Total 890 number of such groups were

identified. Proper security arrangements were made

apart from regular monitoring by sector officer, in

addition to awareness campaign. As a result voting

has been increased by 14.04 percentage point

among these groups.

(c) Turnout - Lot of interventions were made

according to District SVEEP plan to increase turnout

(Annexure - I). As a result turnout increased by 14.20

percentage point from 43.87% in General Election

2009 to 58.07% in General Election 2014.

4.1 Strength of Key Intervention - Active CSOs in the district.

- Sakshar Bharat Mission Workers.

- Jeevika groups.

- Active Media houses.

- Campus Ambassadors.

43 of 193

4.2 Challenges i.) Distance of booth in few cases.

ii) Demand of road Construction, Electricity supply

etc.

iii) Error in Electoral Roll.

iv) Migration for Jobs

v) Urban apathy

vi) Lack of information

vii) Lack of awareness about the importance of each

vote.

5 Partnership

5.1 Central Govt. Sector AIR, Doordarshan, Bhagalpur, NTPC, Kahalgaon, SBI,

Railway.

5.2 State Govt. Sector Pool Nirman Nigam.

5.3 Private/Corporate Sector * Ajanta Cinema Hall, Bhagalpur.

* Deep Prabha Cinema Hall, Bhagalpur.

* Jawahar Cinema Hall, Bhagalpur.

5.4 Media Print Media

* Hindustan.

* Dainik Jagran.

* Prabhat Khabar.

* Aaj.

Electronic Media

* FM Radio, Bhagalpur.

* ETV Bihar, Bhagalpur.

5.5 NGO/CSO Sector * Red Cross Society, Bhagalpur.

44 of 193

* Paridhi, Bhagalpur.

* Rotory International, Bhagalpur.

* Pensioner Society, Bhagalpur.

* Muslim Education Committee, Bhagalpur .

* Primary Electricity Kargha Society, Bhagalpur.

* Indian Medical Association, Bhagalpur.

* Nagarik Vikash Samiti.

* Gandhi Shanti Pratisthan .

* Chamber of Commerce, Bhagalpur.

* Loyns Club, Bhagalpur.

5.6 other * Nehru Yuva Kendra, Bhagalpur.

* National Cadet Core , Bhagalpur.

* NSS, Bhagalpur.

* Scout and Guide, Bhagalpur.

* District Auto Union and Riksha Union were also

involved.

6 Media Use (Qualitative

summary)

6.1 Electronic Doordarshan , Etv Bihar, Local Cable Network, All

India Radio and F.M. Radio were effectively used to

broadcast awareness messages like date of poll, 11

alternative documents, District Control room and

Helpline number, importance of each vote & ethical

voting etc. Election related interviews of

commissioner, District Magistrate and DDC-cum-

Chairman District SVEEP core committee, Bhagalpur

were made sure to broadcast through AIR (CD

45 of 193

Attached - Annexure - II).

6.2 Print Daily coverage of all election related activities were

ensured to publish in all Newspapers of the District.

There was extensive coverage of all activities and

awareness messages like date of poll, dates of voter

slip distribution, Eleven alternative documents,

District Control room and Helpline numbers, Voter

awareness meetings, rallies, Candidate's information

etc. Necessary advertisements were also published

time to time. (Paper Cuttings attached - Annexure-

III).

A Separate awareness and Motivational campaign

was driven by three major print media houses namely

Hindustan, Dainik Jagran and Prabhat Khabar. They

organized so many voter awareness meetings and

rallies. Hindustan's Slogan was "Aao Rajneeti karen"

& "Vote ki chot", Dainik Jagaran's was " Hum Jage

Jantantra Aage" and Prabhat Khabar's slogan was

"Vote Kare Desh Gareh" . Hindustan organized candle

march on the eve of polling day. (Paper Cuttings

attached Annexure - IV).

6.3 Interpersonal "Door to door Contact" campaign was carried out by

Shakshar Bharat Workers and Jeevika Members in

identified Low turnout P.S. More than ten thousand

houses were covered. We made regular contact with

VAG/WAG members. We sent personal mobile SMS

with appeal to forward SMS to atleast 5 persons. DEO

appeal letter to voter was issued for casting his/her

vote and ethical voting.

6.4 Folk Media SVEEP Rath moved Block to Block carrying audio

messages and informatory posters. We used folk

songs and messages of Mrs. Sharda Sinha, Ms. Ratan

Rajpoot, M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohali, Amir Khan etc.

Eleven alternative documents, District Control room

& Helpline numbers were displayed on posters

46 of 193

(Photo & Paper Cuttings Attached Annexure - V)

6.5 Theatre, Street Plays etc Audio Visual messages were displayed in all three

theatres of Town. One major play (act) was organized

by local artist in Town Hall with the slogan "Adhiktam

Matdan ... Bane Bhagalpur ki Pahchan", 36 street

plays were performed by Nehru Yuva Kendra

members. Sakshar Bharat Mission workers and other

groups also performed many street plays in rural

areas, especially in identified low turn out P.S.

(Video/ Photographs/ Paper cuttings attached

Annexure - VI)

6.6 Internet and social Media Facebook page "sveepbhagalpur" has been created

Photographs, Paper cuttings, information of events,

awareness messages etc. have been uploaded

regularly. Regular updation was made sure on CEO,

Bihar and District websites.

6.7 Others Bulk Mobile SMS were sent to all electors on poll day

24 April, 2014, in which DEO requested to cast vote

for streignthening our democracy. DEO appeal letter

to voter was issued for casting his/her vote and

ethical voting (Copy attached Annexure - VII).

7 Mass Mobilisation initiatives

(Qualitative summary)

Several mass mobilization initiatives were taken to

create festive environment.

7.1 Rallies, human chains etc 357 rallies were organized by Sakshar Bhart Mission

workers and Jeevika SHGs member at panchayat /

Block levels. Five major rallies were organized at

District level. Voter awareness rallies were organized

by School Children in all over district on the occasion

of Bihar Diwas on 22 March, 2014. Campus

Ambessdors and Nodel Officers of the colleges

organized rallies at the District levels on 4th April,

47 of 193

2014. IMA, Pensioner Samaj and Senior Citizen

Association organized rally on 7th April, 2014.

Muslim Education Committee, Rotary Club, Nagrik

Vikash Samiti, NYK, NCC, NSS, Scout & Guide etc.

organized rally on 13th April, 2014 in which

commissioner, Observer, SSP and other officers also

participated. Oath taking ceremony was conducted

by Commissioner at the end of the Rally. Candle

March was organized by media partner Hindustan on

the eve of poll day. (Photos/ Paper Cuttings attached

Annexure - VIII).

7.2 Sports Competitions Fancy Cricket Match between District administration

and Voters Eleven was organized in which DIG, DM,

ASP, Assistant Collector and other officers

participated (Paper Cutting attached Annexure - IX).

7.3 Debates/Quiz competitions Many Debates and Quiz Competitions were

organized in colleges with help of campus

ambassadors on election related topics like

"Mobilization of Youth for strong democracy is

necessary" "Why does women participation matter

?", Importance of voting, "Each vote is important"

etc. 14 Civil society organizations organized 14

debates at their level. Media partners Hindustan

organized so many debates at different levels. Dainik

Jagran organized debate on the Topic " Indian

Democracy : Challenges and Future" in which famous

personalities of educational & cultural institutions

participated. (Photo/ Paper Cutting/ Video attached

Annexure - X).

7.4 Mock Polls, EVM

demonstration etc

631 EVM Demonstration camps were organized at

different levels to familiarize EVM functioning. People

participated in these camps with lot of Enthuse and

curiosity. (Paper Cuttings attached Annexure - XI).

7.5 Others

48 of 193

8 Innovations 1. SHGs and Saksharta Mission Worker have been

effectively involved in Promotion for voting.

2. Banks/ PSUs/ Media houses/ Professional

associations of Doctors, lawyer etc. motivated to

carryout SVEEP message on their own as a part of

Social responsibility.

3. Concept of Model booth implemented in true

spirit. Facilities were arranged by Bank Partners

under CSR. Media and voters appreciated facilitation

(Paper cuttings attached - Annexure - XII).

9 Case Studies (if any)

y. Development Commissioner-cum- District Election Officer-cum-

Chairman SVEEP Core Committee District Magistrate, Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur

49 of 193

Darbhanga-Format B

SVEEP Information Template to be Submitted by DEOs (latest by 15th

May)

S.

No.

Description Soft Copy in Word File (CD/or email)

1 District SVEEP Plan/Strategy Attached.

1.1 Specific District ICON/Ambassador

(if any)

No

1.2 MASCOT/LOGO (if any) No

1.3 Documentation/MIS/Reports Paper Cutting, Photograph, Visual C.D.

State/District Website updates and

feedback

DEO's appeals & poster updated on district

Website.

2 Identified Non Participants Yes (Youth & Women)

2.1 Excluded Groups No

2.2

Analysis of Threat/Challenges to

Participation

Vulnerable Pocket (214) Were Identifed and

919 People were prosecuted under Section

107 cr.pc.

3 Target of Participation - Quantitative 1,07,336

3.1 Target of Participation - Quantitative Youth & Women.

4 Key Interventions

Enrolment/Inclusion/Turnout

Enrollment.

4.1 Strengths of Key Interventions Youth & Women.

4.2 Challenges/Constraints of Key

Interventions

People mobilised through Various Activities

and increased 15% Voter turnout.

5 Partnerships

5.1 Central Govt. Sector Railways & Postal Dept.

5.2 State Govt. Sector ICDS, Agriculture, Education, Health etc.

5.3 Private/Corporate Sector Banks, BSNL

5.4 Media Print & Electronic.

5.5 NGO/CSO Sector Jeevika,mahila vikash Nigam,nlm,nyk.

5.6 Others NCC,NSS,etc.

6 Media Use (Qualitative Summary)

6.1 Electronic Icons messages and DEO appeals have been

telecasted.

6.2 Print Motivation News have been published.

6.3 Interpersonal

6.4

Folk Media Motivation activities have been conducted

by the NLM Motivation, ASHA, SEVIKA,

SAHAYIKA of ICDS.

50 of 193

6.5 Theatre, Street Plays etc Street plays have been performed on the 105

selected places.

6.6 Internet and Social Media Gunu Jha Kahai chathin facebook launched.

6.7

Others To enhance Voter Participation. Voter

awareness charriot were played in whole

district.

7 Mass Mobilisation Initiatives

(Qualitative Summary)

7.1 Rallies, human chains etc Done in 19 college & 2426 Schools.

7.2 Sports Competitions No.

7.3 Debates/Quiz Competiontions Done in 19 college & 2426 Schools.

7.4 Mock Polls, EVM demonstration etc 60 places in urban areas & 240 places in

rural areas.

7.5 Others

8

Innovations Voting Awareness songs recorded &

launched and played at important Places in

District.

9 Case Studies (if any)

51 of 193

Gopalganj Format-B

Format B

SVEEP Information Template to be submitted by DEOs (latest by 15th May)

S.No. Description Soft copy in word file (CD/ or email)

1 District SVEEP Plan/Strategy Annexure-1 enclosed

1.1 Specific District ICON/Ambassador (if any) No

1.2 MASCOT/LOGO (if any)

Yes, Named vf/kdkj

1.2 Documentation/MIS/Reports

Panchayat to block level activity related to voter awareness is captured by Vashudha Kendra and by local officers of ICDS/BDO and is sent to district SVEEP Cell on DDCs mail daily. SVEEP Cell scrutinized the photos and uploaded it on district website. Accordingly reports has been compiled at district level.

1.3 State/District website updates and feedback

A facebook account under SVEEP Cell named gopalganjvoters has been created and photo of SVEEP activities is posted at district official website and the SVEEP facebook and got more than thousands likes.

2 Identified Non participants

160(One hundred sixty) booths has been identified and where polling percentage low in last PC election and targeting them DM/SP/DDC visited the concerned tolas to impart the importance of vote.

2.1 Excluded Groups There were 14 excluded groups has been identified where polling was boycotted in last PC election.

2.2 Analysis of Threat/Challenges to Participation

It has been observed that out of 160 booths more than 90 booths is having low voters turnout only due to rude behavior of CPMF on poll day. Voters of more than 6 booths have showed apathy in last election due to erosion of their houses/lands. They were shifted to on the bank of the gandak river which is a far more than 3 km from their polling station. DEO should be given authority to permit or

52 of 193

made available official transport facility in this type of cases on poll day.

3 Target of Participation-Quantitative

Women and downtrodden voters has been targeted. To cover these voters Jivikas SHG, ICDS workers and Pulse Polio Vaccinator made combined efforts. DMs appeal letter to voters to participate in the democracy is served by the PPV door to door during vaccination. More than 3 lakhs appeal letter was served. Vaccinator team convinced the voters to spare time on poll day for healthy democracy. Mobile number is collected by the vaccinator team and SMS/reminder SMS was sent by NIC. Sports activity like girls and boys kabaddi and dangal was organized on this identified groups.

3.1 Target of Participation-Qualitative

Radio jingles was disseminated by local community channel named Radio Rimjhim. Pictorial poster about basic amenity facilities has been displayed in the targeted group. Soft copy of poster is enclosed as annexure-2. Gram panchayat mukhiya and ICDS worker organized meeting in the targeted group. Some of the mukhiya indirectly convinced the voters that if you not participate in democracy you will be loser. Declaration of DEO about Jagruk Panchayat motivated the mukhiyas of the district regarding voters awareness program. In 2009 PC voters turnout was 37% only but the SVEEP efforts turned it about 55%. Increase of 18% votes is only the effort of SVEEP activity.

4 Key Interventions Enrolment/Inclusion/Turnout

4.1 Strengths of Interventions Local PRI should be involved in awareness programe and to be made village ambassador.

4.2 Challenges/Constraints of Key Interventions

Non development of basic facilities like road and electricity resulted the apathy of the voters. If PRIs would be made village ambassador they may persuade the voter for participation in the democracy.

5 Partnerships

5.1 Central Govt. Sector

All the commercial and rural bank participated in the SVEEP activity. Hording and banners has been displayed on entire ATM and bank branches. U.K.G.B Gramin bank

53 of 193

organized rally of their staff on holiday. Their 125 auxiliary branches named Sunahara Sapna imparted rural voters the importance of vote.

5.2 State Govt. Sectors

Human resource department (Education department), Health department (District Health Society), Agriculture department, Jivika, ICDS, National literacy mission, co-oprative department (Primary Agriculture Co-oprative society), Dairy Development society (Secretary of milk collection of centre) participated in SVEEP.

5.3 Private/Corporate sectors

Vashudha Kendra provided free of cost e-search facility to voters. Kendra also captured the SVEEP activity held in their panchayat. NGO working in sanitation named Navjagrity disseminated the importance of vote during its triggring activity. Cinema halls also placed voter awareness hording in front of their hall.

5.4 Media

Print media has done excellent job in dissemination of awareness program. 5-6 news regarding awareness was printed in daily local hindi news paper like Dainik Jagran, Pravat Khabar, Rastriye Sahara and Hindustan.

5.5 NGO/CSO sector Except local NGO Navjagrity no other CSO sector participated in the SVEEP activity in spite of request.

5.6 Others

6 Media Use (qualitative summary) 6.1 Electronic ETV and Sahara TV covered the activity.

6.2 Print Print media boosted the SVEEP activity. Annexure-3 is enclosed here to show their role.

6.3 Interpersonal

6.4 Folk Media Radio Rimjhim disseminated the voter awareness program in local language Bhojpuri.

6.5 Theatre, Street Plays etc

Children of Kasturba Gandhi played Nukar Natak in some of places. National artist like Malini Awasthi and Kavita Paudwal disseminated the awareness program in Thawe Mahotsav.

6.6 Internet and Social Media

A facebook account under SVEEP Cell named gopalganjvoters has been created and photo of SVEEP activities is posted at district official website and the SVEEP facebook and

54 of 193

got more than thousands likes.

6.7 Others

Jhakhi of Jagrukta Rath and playing of Bhojpuri films in rural areas mixing with voter awareness video has been found very fruitful. No boredom was felt by the voters. Villagers thronged on hats in the name of Bhojpuri film which was displayed by the official projector K-Yan supplied by the Panchayati Raj Department.

7 Mass Mobilization initiatives (qualitative summary)

7.1 Rallies, human chains etc

Eduction Dept

(i)Rally/Prabhat Pheri organized on 22th

March at entire middle & high schools of

the district

(ii)Rally by NLM at dist Level on 04th April

2014, Rally by DPO Litracy on 07th, 14th,

21st & 28th April 2014 at Panchayat Level

& 4th, 11th, 17th &25th April 2014 at Block

Level,

iii) On 7th May rally is organized in all

panchayat and at all primary school of

district by education, icds, agriculture

dept.

Agriculture & Cooperative Dept.

Motercycle Rally by Pacs Chairman &

Staff of Agricultural Department on 4th

April 2014, Rally at Panchayat Level on

14th & 28th April 2014 and 7th May by

Agricultural Department

I.C.D.S.

Chaupal Programe/Rally by ASHA at the

centre of Aangawanwadi Kendra on 02nd

April, 17th April, 24th April 2014 and

Special Rally at Putulipur (Barauli AC) in

low voter turnout area on 19th April 2014,

and 7th May

JEEVIKA

55 of 193

Rally of Ac & CC by JEEVIKA on 31st March

2014 & Rally organized by JEEVIKA at VOs

Level on 10th , 11th , 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th,

21st, 22nd & 24th April 2014 and 7th May )

7.2 Sports Competitions

Girls & Boys Kabaddi sports events

organized at the polling station area, date-

11-04-14), At low voters turn out area.

(i) Khap Makshoodpur, Gopalganj AC

Date: 11/4/14 , 4 Matches

(ii) P.S. KOYLADEVA, Hathua AC Date: 15/4/14 , 4 Matches

(iii) P.S. Khargram Chhaper, Bhorey AC

Date: 17/4/14 , 4 Matches

(iv) P.S. Gopalpur, Kuchaikote AC Date: 17/4/14 , 4 Matches

(v) H.S. Devpura, Baikunthpur AC Date: 26/4/14 , 4 Matches

7.3 Debates/Quiz competitions

Painting/Quiz competition in school and Oath

ceremony of guardian of school children

specially held at school campus by National

Literacy Mission

7.4 Mock Poll, EVEM demonstration etc

EVM demonstration was held in so many

panchayats of the district,Number of locations

are as Manjha-20, Uchkagaon-16, Sidhwalia-

27, Vijayeepur-13, Barauli-27, Hathua-14,

Baikunthpur-04, Kuchaikote-08, Panchdeori-

07, Kateya-21, Bhore-06, Phulwaria-05,

Gopalganj-05, Thawe-02

7.5 Others

1. Message to be sent through SMS. 2.50

Laks Mobile No. has been collected from

RTPS Counter, Education Department by

means of Guardians pledge, Aasha

Karyakarta, Aanaganbari Workers,

Agriculture Department Ext.

2. 219 Outdoor Hoar