From Saurav Borah
TURA: As Tura Lok Sabha constituency goes into poll mode, election officials have so far identified as many as 560 physically challenged voters with an aim to make the polls “inclusive and accessible”.
West Garo Hills deputy commissioner and returning officer for the elections, Ram Singh told The Shillong Times here on Thursday that special facilities have been arranged for the physically challenged who have been identified by polling officers in special camps.
“We have arranged special camps where our polling officers have identified them, their polling stations and houses. In fact, a special electronic voting machine/voter verifiable paper audit trail machine was set up at a polling centre here yesterday,” Singh told this correspondent on the last day for candidates’ withdrawal of nominations.
Braille ballot papers have also been kept ready to facilitate the visually challenged voters to vote.
“We have directed all the anganwadi workers to volunteer and facilitate the physically challenged voters after identification. Appliances such as wheelchairs are being arranged for them to have easy access to the polling booths,” he added.
Flying squads
Election officials here have kept three flying squads in each Assembly constituency under Tura Lok Sabha constituency to ensure that the model code of conduct is not violated as well as take action against violators.
“Besides, static surveillance teams are on the job round the clock. This time, any Android phone user can lodge a complaint against any violators of the model code through the cVigil app where photos/videos can be uploaded for flying squads to take prompt action,” Singh said.
Urban voters
“We are planning a series of road shows in urban areas to woo young voters to the polling booths. Through the queue management system voters can be kept informed about the people in the queue. Besides, voters can also verify their names in the electoral roll by dialing 1950,” he said.
First-time voters
Special kiosks have been opened in schools and colleges to woo first-time voters (who have attained 18 or 19 years of age) to the polling booths.
“This time, we have enrolled 5,400 first-time voters under Tura Lok Sabha constituency. In the rural areas, sector officers have been sent to all polling stations for mock polls to create awareness about VVPAT machines, etc among young voters,” Singh said.
He further said that political parties and candidates are also being helped on any information required right from enrollment to nomination to withdrawal.