Empowering Differently abled Voters: State Seminar on Accessible Voting Concludes
TFP Bureau, Raipur, Oct 31, 2023: The State-level seminar addressing the topic of accessible voting for disabled individuals was successfully concluded today at the Red Cross Bhawan, Raipur. Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale shared essential insights during the conference, emphasizing the significant efforts made by the Election Commission of India to facilitate voting for disabled and elderly voters in the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections.
The Election Commission is implementing extensive measures to offer necessary facilities for the disabled and elderly to exercise their voting rights. Mrs. Kangale highlighted key initiatives such as the option for disabled and elderly voters to vote via postal ballots from their homes. Additionally, arrangements will be made to transport these voters to the polling stations if they wish to vote in person. However, eligible voters must register themselves for this service.
During the voting day, volunteers from NSS, NCC, Scout Guide will assist disabled and elderly voters to ensure a smooth voting process. Furthermore, priority will be given to these voters, allowing them to vote first without having to stand in queues. EVM machines have candidates’ names printed in Braille to assist visually impaired voters, and polling staff is directed to handle the needs of disabled voters sensitively.
Addressing the gathering, Collector Shri Sarveshwar Bhure discussed the provision of informative signage for disabled voters about Voter Assistance Booths (VAB) at polling stations. He emphasized the Saksham mobile app designed for disabled voters, highlighting its versatile nature.
State-level voter icon Shri Chitrasen Sahu commended the Election Commission’s effective measures for disabled voters, citing his experiences, expressing confidence that these efforts will encourage a 100% voter turnout among the disabled.
District-level voter icon Shri Prithvi Raj discussed the Saksham App’s usefulness, calling it a high-tech and user-friendly facility for disabled individuals. The seminar covered details about the voting process using electronic voting machines, including a presentation on the Saksham App.
Key officials from various departments and representatives from the hearing and visually impaired community, including the Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Mr. Abinash Mishra, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Mr. K.R.R. Singh, and Assistant Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Sharda Aggarwal, actively participated in the seminar.
