Inclusive Approach: 900 Sangwari Polling Stations to Empower Women in Chhattisgarh Elections
TFP Bureau, Raipur, Oct 29, 2023: The Election Commission of India is proactively working towards ensuring inclusivity and participation for all citizens, with a special focus on women, the disabled, and youth in the forthcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly General Election-2023. In a significant move to advance women’s empowerment in the electoral process, 900 Sangwari polling stations are slated to be established across the state, with ten Sangwari polling centers designated in every assembly constituency.
At these pioneering Sangwari polling stations, women officers and employees will assume responsibility for all aspects of the voting process, from presiding officers to security arrangements. Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, the Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh, emphasized that women would manage the entire spectrum of tasks associated with voting, further reinforcing the concept of women’s empowerment in the electoral process.
Furthermore, security measures at these polling stations will be entrusted to the Women Security Force, representing a significant stride towards gender equality and safety in the election process. In addition, video recording and photography of election-related activities at these polling booths will be exclusively conducted by women.
Sangwari polling centers will be established in both rural and urban areas, strategically targeting assembly constituencies with a significant female voter base and historically lower turnout rates in previous elections. This innovative approach aims to foster greater female participation and inclusivity, serving as a progressive step forward in Chhattisgarh’s electoral landscape.
