Public distribution system (PDS) dealers, popularly known as ration dealers, will act as ambassadors to create awareness among voters in the district for the May 12 Lok Sabha polls for Jamshedpur constituency.

There are over 1,500 PDS dealers who distribute food items at subsidised rates across East Singhbhum and function under the state food and civil supplies department.

Following the directive of East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Amit Kumar a workshop was held for PDS dealers at Michael John Auditorium in Bistupur on Saturday.

“At the workshop we distributed pamphlets and posters. All the PDS dealers will have to paste posters in front of their ration shops, which in turn will be checked by the respective BDOs. They will also distribute pamphlets urging people to cast their votes,” said East Singhbhum deputy development commissioner B. Maheswari.

However, some PDS dealers cater to villagers from remote and inaccessible areas in the district where there is no Internet or telephone connections.

“The posters distributed among the PDS dealers are written in Hindi and the helpline 1950 for voters is also mentioned. The process of casting votes in EVMs and VVPAT is also written. During the workshop we also made PDS dealers aware about c-vigil app in which any instances of violation of model code of conduct can be reported and action will be taken within 100 minutes,” said East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Amit Kumar.

Meanwhile, JNAC also undertook a voter’s awareness campaign in different parts of the city.

Special awareness sessions were also held at XLRI, Jubilee Park, Jamshedpur Women’s College in Bistupur, MGM Medical College in Mango and Tata Steel Technical Institute in Bistupur.