1. SHARING BEST ELECTORAL PRACTICES Commandant Group XIII, Rajkot

2. - Police Mitras - A Rajkot initiative for Involving youth in Election Commandant Group XIII, Rajkot By – Mrs. Archana Shivahare

3. Profile of Rajkot Rural District Rajkot district, spread in an area of11,203 km. consists of 856 villages and is considered to be the Capital of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat. Nine Consituencies-2 Hypersensitive,3 Sensitive,4 Normal Total booths-1618-91 Hypersensitive,134 Sensitive. Three Police Subdivisions,21 Police Stations. 32 Candidates-7 ex MLAs having past criminal record, two under trial for murder cases registered during 2002 elections.

4. The Playing Ground Challenges The scenario in the district was far from ideal in conducting elections. Limitation of time. One of the greatest challenges was to maintain law and order and curb electoral malpractices.

5. ACTION PLAN Pre poll Poll Day Post Poll

6. PRE- POLL  Planning Putting the right person at the right place. Booth and village visits. Special emphasis on booth visits was laid, covering 100% sensitive villages with manifold purposes-

7. 1. Confidence building measures to reassure the voters and the public at large that they can cast their votes without fear 2. Educate voters 3. Identify trouble makers 4. Understand the demography of the village in terms of population and caste composition.. 5. Intelligence collection 6. See the suitability of the booth and the approach route 7. Sensitivity analysis

8. Participation of youth- The National Youth Policy, 2003 has underscored the role of India’s youth in political decision- making, and has argued for greater representation of youth in appropriate bodies as well as more extensive youth participation in design and implementation of various developmental programmes. Indeed, there is a recognition that today’s youth, who have better access to skills and information than those of earlier generations, can play an important role in influencing political processes and the socio- economic development of the country.

9. During village visits five to seven young boys/girls volunteers from each village were selected as Police-mitras. In city areas youth from mohalla committees, N.C.C. and Scout Guide, youth clubs, sportspersons were selected for this purpose. These youth were trained in election process at the Taluka level Seminars organized in coordination with Collector office. These volunteers were issued I-Cards by the Police. They were entrusted with the task of educating the voters in their village through door to door contact, street plays, group discussions,etc.

10. They were also assigned the task of keeping close watch on election campaign by candidates and inform immediately if they come across any malpractice or violation of code of conduct  The S.H.O. was to coordinate with them through beat constables and Gram Rakshak Dal, take daily report of their work and e-mail to the election cell of SP office.  Also in the deployment of force for preventive drives, patrolling and at booths, young fresh recruits were given priority who could work without any fear or favour,to check any connivance with local political leaders and criminals.

11. Leadership, Motivation and Training It is important as a police leader to go around meet your men, build their morale, brief them of what to do in different circumstances, talk of their important role in the electioneering process. Briefing about their duties and training about election process, election related offences, code of conduct, etc. was given to them.

12. RESULTS Due to meticulous planning, strict implementation of code of conduct and constant monitoring of the electoral process, Rajkot District witnessed free and fair elections. Unprecedented peace prevailed throughout the district. As compared to 27 offences including two murders in 2002 elections, not even a petty incident of violence took place in 2007. Also the response of young Police-Mitras was immense. I would like to emphasize here about the zeal and diligence of the participants, only because of the sense of feeling in them that they are being given a responsibility to create awareness among the electors and make a positive difference in the society. They were also awarded certificates of appreciation and absorbed into Gram Rakshak Dal

13. Also this helped in making the election process more transparent and participative A good number of persons between 18-22 years of age were registered as voters. The percentage of voting was much higher as compared to 2002 elections. Also the police personnel implemented the election code more strictly and abstained from partisan activities. The deployment of young fresh recruits helped in better security management. The support of election observers and constant monitoring by Election Commission was one of the most important factors in conduct of impartial elections in fearless atmosphere.

14. THANK YOU