Tura April 2, 2019: In view of the General election 2019, to the Lok Sabha and By Election to 48- Selsella LAC, the District Election Officer, West Garo Hills District Ram Singh convened a meeting on Tuesday at Deputy Commissioner Office Chamber to discuss issues relating to physically challenged voters in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner, WGH informed that a special campaign including continuous identification and enrolment drive for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) voters in the district has been organised and have so far identified 563 PwDs voters. Therefore, in order to facilitate these voters on the poll day and as per the direction of the Election Commission of India to make it more inclusive and accessible, poll volunteers will be deployed on poll day who would help the PwD voters to cast their vote on polling day, he said.
Further, other necessary arrangements like Braille ballot papers for visually impairment, wheelchairs, etc. Has been arranged at the respective polling booths to facilitate easy access to the booth, he informed. He also instructed the concerned officials to give priority to PwDs voters and should be able to vote without making a queue.
With 80 numbers of PwDs in the district, 51- South Tura Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) has the highest number of PwDs followed by 75 in 56-Gambegre , 73 in 47- Rajabala, 51 in 46- Phulbari, 50 in 48- Selsella, 49 each in 49- Dadenggre and 50- North Tura, 46 in 52 – Rangsakona, 38 in 45- Tikrikilla, 27 in 57- Dalu and 25 in 44- Raksamgre LA constituencies.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Election) Z J Sangma informed that this is the first time the Election Commission of India has appointed Observer for PwDs during this election.