SHIMLA -25 January, 2026-Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasised the need for enhanced public awareness regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating that, during this exercise, the Election Department must ensure that citizens in Himachal Pradesh do not face any inconvenience.

The Governor was addressing the State-level function organised at the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, on the occasion of the 16^th National Voters' Day.

Extending greetings to the people of the state on National Voters' Day and Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day, he said that the Election Commission has chosen the theme "My India, My Vote" and "Indian Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy" for this year. He called upon citizens to celebrate universal adult franchise beyond distinctions of religion, caste or community, enabling people's participation in governance. He said that as a constitutional institution, the Election Commission of India has earned global recognition for upholding democratic values, transparency and fairness in the conduct of elections.

The Governor appreciated the efforts of the Election Department for successfully running voter enrolment drives in government and private educational institutions during 2025, particularly encouraging youth participation. He also lauded initiatives that led to increased women voter registration in Sirmaur's Shillai area and Chamba's Bharmour tribal region. Commending the role of the Chief Electoral Officer and her team, he said it was a matter of pride that Himachal Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer Nandita Gupta served as an International Observer during national elections in Moldova in September 2025, bringing laurels to the State and the country.

Calling upon all voters to actively participate in the democratic process, the Governor urged citizens to take a pledge for electoral participation to strengthen India's democracy. On the occasion, he honoured district electoral officers, state icons, booth level officers and others for outstanding contributions. He also released a coffee table book prepared by the Election Department, administered the Voters' Day pledge and distributed Elector Photo Identity Cards to newly registered voters.

Earlier, Nandita Gupta welcomed the Governor and highlighted the objectives of National Voters' Day, noting significant improvements in women and youth voter enrolment after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She shared that through continuous updating of voter lists 91,949 voters were added to the rolls since January 6, 2025, details of 1,49,328 voters were corrected and names of 64,643 ineligible voters were removed due to death, migration or other reasons.

Deputy Commissioner and District Electoral Officer, Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, proposed the vote of thanks.

A message from Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar was also played on the occasion.

An awareness play on SIR and cultural performances were presented. The Governor earlier visited an exhibition organised by the Election Department. Additional Chief Electoral Officers Dr. Murari Lal and Neeraj Chandla, along with other senior officers and dignitaries, were present at the programme.