In a gesture of 'public-private' participation, the Confederation of Indian Industry on Wednesday joined hands with the Election Commission in launching a mega blitz including round-the-clock voter helplines, sending SMS messages to 35 million people and setting up touch-screens at strategic spots to educate voters about their right to franchise.
Aimed at creating awareness, especially among the youth, the apex industry chamber announced initiatives like establishing helplines to answer voters' queries regarding the elections, voters list information and their registration.
The helplines are being put together by CII with the help of the Election Commission's local representatives across the country, the industry body said in a statement.
CII has also approached the Cellular Operators Association of India for sending SMSs to about 35 million mobile phone consumers, urging them to exercise their right to vote.
Touch-screen terminals/desktops would be set up in major cities across the country to display information regarding the elections, such as registration and the use of electronic voting machines, it added.
Launched as part of CII's corporate social responsibility programme, it will organise events to encourage people, especially young voters, to exercise their franchise. It will also mobilise all eligible voters (above 18 years) to get themselves registered in the voters list.
The chamber's regional offices have been engaged in creating awareness through poster campaigns, touch-screens, besides dissemination of relevant information through retail outlets and advertisements.
Domino's Pizza, McDonald's, Ebony, Pizza Hut, Nirula's, and Archies have given their consent to CII Northern Region to put up posters at outlets to create awareness among their customers.
CII Western Region has set up touch-screens at vantage points across important cities.
Taking similar action, the industry body's southern arm is installing touch-screens/desktops at Bangalore, which have been sponsored by the Karnataka government.
Computers have also been installed at the Deputy Commissioner's Office, primarily to target the rural populace in the outskirts of the city.
Touch-screens are also in place in Chennai and Hyderabad.
A 20-seat call centre is fully operational in Bangalore and a 30-seat call centre in Hyderabad. A 20-seat call centre in Chennai will soon be functional, CII said.
CII Eastern Region is in the process of setting up kiosks from May 1 to May 10. Call centres have also been identified and the helpline will start its operations with five operators, who are fluent in regional language and also in Hindi and English.
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