First-timers for change, quality education, better job options

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 4

The holy city awakened to a chilly and a cloudy Saturday today that would have given some nervousness to nine Lok Sabha candidates and 121 Assembly candidates contesting from 11 constituencies in the city.

Nevertheless, the unusual zeal among voters, especially the young and first-timers, generated warmth for the polling process, as the day progressed. According to election officials, as many as 243534 first-timers have been registered with the district administration this year.

Navya, who arrived with her grandparents at the SR Government College for Girls, seems enthusiastic after casting her vote for the first time. “There is a feeling of responsibility. Responsibility for contributing towards building a better nation by choosing a better candidate,” she said.

“I have voted for change which I think is required today. I want a corruption-free society where there are better opportunities to get quality education and higher education at less expense. Education has become out of the reach of the common man due to the high-fee structure of private educational institutes. I also want better treatment for the economically weaker sections of society,” she said.

Megha Sharma and Shweta Sharma are also casting their votes for the first time. “As we are college students, we want more employment opportunities for youngsters. Like other youngsters, unemployment is our main concern,” they said.

Nikita Kakkar, another youngster, said it was a new experience for her. “I can say I have also played a role in building a better society and country by exercising my right to vote. “Everyone should vote. It is not only our right, but also our duty. We have the right to criticise any government only when we vote,” she pointed out.

Interestingly, rather than boys, it were the first-timer girls who were seen more enthusiastic in casting votes.

Mandeep Singh, who belonged to the Mustafabad area, echoed the sentiments of his generation. “We want employment first and previous governments have failed to provide and generate enough employment opportunities. Due to this, many youngsters strayed towards drug abuse and criminal activities.”