Page 100 - General Election

30. Evolution of SVEEP

The inception of SVEEP took place in 2009, prompted by the recognition of deficiencies in citizen

voter registration and a conspicuous decline in voter turnout from one election to another in
India. Historically, voter turnout in the country had remained stagnant at approximately 55-60
percent, excluding the preferences of millions of eligible citizens. This realization was

accompanied by the understanding that low participation could have adverse effects on the
quality of democracy, necessitating managerial interventions to address the issue.

As a result, SVEEP was initiated with the implementation of planned Information, Education, and
Communication (IEC) interventions during the Jharkhand elections at the end of 2009.
Subsequently, these efforts were carried out in a more systematic manner in the elections

thereafter. Over the past nine years, three distinct phases of SVEEP have seen the evolution of
various policy initiatives, programs, and activities aimed at empowering voters.

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