Democracy cannot be vibrant and functional properly unless equal participation of citizens takes place in high proportion. Earlier, casting votes was considered a public holiday to enjoy. People were very reluctant to cast their votes on the given day. Now the old habit is dying rapidly, and voting percentages are on the rise with each passing election year. The democratic journey of casting votes started in 1951, with a total turnout of 45.74% to 67.11% in 2019. It means one-third of the population is still left behind to exercise the vote.
Now, the trend is changing with higher literacy rates, awareness campaigns, and social media. Businesses are also shouldering the responsibility to increase awareness by offering discounts on products and services. Noida and Greater Noida restaurants are offering discounts up to 20% by showing your inked fingers. Discounts will be valid for two days, i.e., May 26th and 27th, 2024. In order to make it work, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAIs) has created a new chapter called “democracy discount.”
Bars and bakeries have also jumped on the bandwagon, taking leaf out of the chapters of restaurants. Bars are advertising to offer complementary drinks. Moreover, booked tables will get 10% discounts if all are found to have voted. Influenced by this, Honey and Dough are also geared up to offer discounts above the purchase of Rs 1000.
Such initiatives are considered to be good for democracy. It will create awareness as well as help encourage more people to cast their votes. Of course! First-time voters and the young generation will be motivated by this step.
Thakur Pankaj
6 months agoYe toh Naya concept hai logo se voting karane k liye