Jobs top wish list of first-time voters
MUSSOORIE/RUDRAPUR/HARIDWAR/PITHORAGARH: Vikas Chauhan, a BA first-year student from MPG college in Mussoorie, is excited to cast his vote for the first time, saying he wants to be part of the democratic process and looks forward to a government that generates employment in the state.
Chauhan is one of 165,338 voters in the age group of 18-19 years, who will be eligible to vote for the first time in this election.
“I believe that the election provides me the right to choose the leaders and a party so that my concerns also find a representation in the highest legislative body in the state,” said Chauhan.
“For me, employment and higher education are the biggest issues that are being faced by the youth of the town; there are no skill-based employment-centric courses at the graduate level here and I will be voting for the candiadte who works for it,” said Chauhan.
Nitesh Verma, another firsttime voter who is working with a caterer in Mussoorie, is a bit nervous but excited to participate in the electoral process. He said, “For me, employment is the biggest issue as I have a family who is dependent on me. I would vote for the leader who works to create more jobs in the town.”
Shahid Mansoor, another first-time voter from the hill town who is helping his father in his shop, said, “I would vote for the leader who has worked for bringing in positive change in the town. I am happy that my candidate has done a lot by initiating parking and drinking water projects which were much needed for the town.”
Priyambada Negi, another first-time voter, is mooting for women empowerment and is of the view that the hill women should also be given chance to help their families economically. “I will be voting for the leader who works for creating self-employment opportunities for the women through cooperatives,” she added.
Madhuri Rawat, an 18-yearold college student from Dhanolti assembly seat, said, “I will be voting for the leader who has helped us out by providing ration and medicines during the Covid period as it is due to his effort, we have been able to survive the pandemic period.”
Naresh Uniyal, another firsttime voter, is yearning for change and is of the view that as a youngster it is his duty to exercise the franchise and make a difference by persuading the leaders to work for the development of the state.
“Social media has helped in updating young voters like me on the current issues thus bringing in the clarity on whom should I vote,” he added.
However, Aastha Chaturvedi, a 21-year-old graduate who was keen to vote for the first time, is a dejected lot for not finding her name on the voter list. “I was excited to participate in the election process as my father had applied for inclusion in the voter list but was saddened not to find my name in the list leaving me disillusioned in the end,” she said “The election process should be made simple and I am waiting for the day when we will be able to vote online from our houses instead of going and standing in long queues at polling booths,” she added.
Kamal Rawat, an unemployed man from Haridwar’s RanipurBHEL area, said employment opportunities are few in state owing to its tough geographical terrain, “Whatever party comes to power, it should help youth economically to set up smallscale micro industries, especially in hill districts,” he said
Shraddha Sharma, a youngster from Haridwar city, said unemployment and migration have drastically increased since creation of Uttarakhand. “We need to introspect the reasons behind the surge. Not just in political manifesto but also when in power, political parties should explore employment opportunities in the state so that migrants working in other parts of the country return back to their home state,” she said
Deeksha Verma, a first-time voter from Jwalapur in Haridwar, said she is quite excited to cast her vote. “To be honest, I haven’t decided whom to vote as I am trying to weigh the candidates. Honesty, educational qualification and one who can bring change through his vision are main traits I will consider before voting,” she said.
Vaibhav Rawat, an engineering student from Haridwar city, said he will vote for a candidate who is honest and can serve as a legislator effectively. “No lofty ideas or claims, today’s youth is quite informative and tech friendly, so they can’t be fooled through tall claims and manifestos only,” he said
Ravindra Singh Khatri, a firsttime voter from Pithoragarh assembly constituency, said he wants immediate employment after passing Class 12 as he hails from a poor family and wants to help his parents. “If I don’t get a job here, I will have to migrate out to look for some job,” he said
Sachin, another first-time voter from Didihat assembly seat in Pithoragarh, said he wants better health care facilities in his village. “Several of my relatives and family members have suffered a lot when they have fallen ill,” he said.
Gaurav Bhatt, a first time voter from Kashni area of Pithoragarh, said, “I want small jobs in my village for several youngsters of my age who need employment. I would also want from new government to keep strict watch on the money being spent on village development by gram pradhans.”
Mohit Kumar Gupta, 19, from Rudrapur said, “I am excited to take part in polling on Monday. I would like to vote for such a party or person who is down to earth and will be available 24 hours for the public. He should be capable of providing employment in our area.”
Abhimanyu Takur, 21, from Rudrapur said, “I would like to elect such a candidate who could be capable of ensuring sustainable development of our area. He should implement government employment schemes so that unemployed youth could earn some livelihood.”
Anandi Burathi, 20 from Tanakpur area of Champawat said, “I would like to elect an educated and sensitive candidate so he could solve the public grievances immediately.”