7 PwD polling booths in Dharwad constituency

With an intention to send a message to the society that differently-abled need to be given equal opportunities, and not just compassion, a few polling booths manned by Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are being set up in Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, polling for which is scheduled to be held on April 23.

As per the instruction of the Election Commission of India (ECI), seven PwD polling booths are being established in Dharwad constituency. These polling booths are independently handled by the Persons with Disabilities employees of various government departments. One each PwD polling station is being set up in every Assembly segment in Dharwad constituency.

Speaking to DH, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer B C Satish, who is also the District SVEEP Committee chairman said, the PwD polling booths are managed by differently-abled employees independently.

Like other polling booths, they too would have a presiding officer, assistant presiding officer, and other staff who are being trained on handling the polling stations including EVMs and VVPAT machines, he added.

In order to facilitate PwD polling station officials, they are being deployed at the polling booths which are either located at the mustering and de-mustering centres, or nearby them, so that they can easily collect and return the polling equipment such as EVMs and VVPAT machines, and other material.

7 booths

Seven PwD polling booths have been identified in Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency.

They are at Agriculture University, and RLS High School Sabhabhavan in Dharwad Assembly constituency, Government Model Kannada boys' School of Ganeshpete and Government Model Kannada boys' School of Hosuru in Hubballi, Shankar Arts College in Navalgund, Taluk Panchayat office new building in Kundgol, and Government Higher Primary Model Central School in Khalghatgi.

The Election Commission has also initiated various physically challenged-friendly measures to empower and to encourage the PwD voters to exercise their right of voting without fail.

The decision of setting up of PwD polling booths aims to enhance the confidence of differently-abled and to give them equal opportunity to actively participate in the polling process. The PwD staff are being trained to handle the polling booths appropriately.

The Election Commission has already initiated several measures to ensure that all voters especially, differently-abled and visually impaired, cast their votes compulsorily. Necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate them, and awareness is being created among them on voting.