New Delhi: In a gesture of "public-private" participation, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has joined hands with the Election Commission (EC) in launching today (April 21, 2004) a mega blitz including round-the-clock voter helplines, sending SMS messages to 35 million people and setting up touch screens at strategic spots to educate voters about their right to franchise.

Aimed at creating awareness, especially among the youth, the apex industry chamber announced initiatives like establishing helplines to answer voters' queries regarding the elections, voters list information and their registration.

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The helplines are being put together by CII with the help of the Election Commission's local representatives across the country, the industry body said in a statement.

CII has also approached the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) for sending SMSs to about 35 million mobile phone consumers.