3 weeks ago
Odisha CEO directs district officers to revive Electoral Literacy Clubs
In the Indian state of Odisha, the top election official has asked all district officers to start up special clubs called Electoral Literacy Clubs.
These clubs help young people learn about voting and democracy.
There must be an active club in every Assembly constituency, which is a voting area.
Schools, colleges, and universities will help run the clubs.
Students in Classes 9 to 12 and college students aged 18 to 25 can take part.
Club members will practice mock polls, hold debates, and see how electronic voting machines work.
They will also learn how to register to vote using a form called Form-6.
The clubs want to teach young people how to find true information and avoid fake news.
Active members will get participation certificates, and the best clubs will be recognised.
Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer has directed all District Election Officers (DEOs) to reactivate and expand Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) in every Assembly constituency.
DEOs must submit a compliance report on all ELC activities conducted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) period by August 19.
The revival order follows a June 8, 2026 instruction on ELC formation, whose progress across districts failed to meet expectations.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has renewed its focus on youth engagement, electoral awareness, democratic participation, and countering misinformation and fake news.
ELCs will work with schools and colleges — including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas — on mock polls, debates, EVM/VVPAT demonstrations, voter registration drives, and social media awareness.
- Who
- Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), District Election Officers (DEOs), and the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- What
- A directive to revive and expand Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) in every Assembly constituency of Odisha.
- Where
- Odisha, India (order issued from Bhubaneswar).
- When
- The order was issued recently; compliance reports are due by August 19, following an earlier ELC instruction of June 8, 2026.
- Why
- To strengthen youth engagement, electoral awareness, democratic participation, and counter misinformation and fake news.
Key facts
- State
- Odisha, India
- Issuing Authority
- Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha
- Addressees
- All District Election Officers (DEOs)
- Backing Body
- Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Target Participants
- School students in Classes 9-12 and college students aged 18-25
- Compliance Report Deadline
- August 19
- Earlier Instruction
- June 8, 2026, on ELC formation
- Recognition
- Participation certificates for active members; formal recognition for high-performing clubs
Sources
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