Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023: Special Privileges for Elderly and Disabled Voters at Polling Booths
- Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility at Polling Stations
TFP Bureau, Raipur, Oct 21, 2023: The Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections in 2023 are committed to providing essential facilities to elderly and disabled voters at every polling station, as per recent announcements.
Mrs. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, the Chief Electoral Officer, emphasized the strict adherence to guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to guarantee necessary provisions for disabled, elderly, and handicapped voters. The focus is on making the electoral process inclusive and accessible. Among the measures being taken, every polling station will ensure the availability of an ample number of wheelchairs for handicapped, elderly, and disabled voters.
Additionally, special attention will be given to locating polling stations on the ground floor to accommodate disabled and elderly voters. Well-maintained access roads to polling station buildings are a priority. Minimum facilities like drinking water, waiting sheds, and appropriate toilets for disabled voters, along with adequate lighting and ramps suitable for disabled voters, will be constructed according to established standards.
The Chief Electoral Officer also directed District Election Officers to engage NSS, NCC, Scout Guide volunteers to assist disabled and senior citizen voters on polling day, requesting their cooperation in polling stations. In an effort to expedite the voting process for disabled voters (PwD) and senior citizens aged 80 and above, they will be given priority and exempted from queues. Election personnel are undergoing training to enhance their sensitivity and awareness of the unique requirements of disabled voters.
As per the directives of the Election Commission of India, free transportation will be provided to disabled and senior citizen voters aged 80 and above on polling day, ensuring they can easily reach and return from polling stations. Visually impaired individuals are allowed to bring one companion with them to the polling booth. Polling stations will be equipped with dummy ballot papers printed in Braille, available upon request. Braille-script names of candidates will also be present on EVM machines. Signage will be displayed to inform disabled voters about the location of the voter assistance booth at the polling station.For disabled and senior voters above 80 years of age, willing absentee voters can choose to vote from home through postal ballots by submitting Form-12D.
The Election Commission of India has urged the promotion of the Saksham app to aid disabled voters. Monitoring officers will be appointed at the district level to ensure full compliance with these guidelines, ensuring that Chhattisgarh’s Assembly Elections 2023 are truly inclusive and accessible to all.
