the goan I network
VASCO
Determined to ensure that no voter is deprived of exercising one’s franchise, the Election Commission of India on Wednesday provided 666 wheelchairs for disabled voters in South Goa, while magnifying glasses and Braille ballots are also on their way to assist other voters with visual impairment.
The brand new wheelchairs were stocked at the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) and delivered to MMC Chief Officer and Nodal Officer for disabled voters (South), Agnelo Fernandes in the presence of Mormugao Mamlatdar Satish Prabhu.
Speaking to reporters, Fernandes informed that the ECI wanted to have maximum participation of disabled voters and to make the election a fully inclusive one.
“There are 2,681 voters with different type of disabilities identified from 21 assembly constituencies in South Goa, which comprise blind (164), deaf (200) and 2,317 are voters with other disabilities.”
“A total of 666 wheelchairs were provided to South Goa and they will be distributed to polling stations across South Goa at Salcete (218), Ponda (123), Mormugao (110), Quepem (83), Canacona (53), Dharbandora (41) and Sanguem (38).”
“In addition, one magnifying glass and two Braille Ballots will be provided at each polling station for voters with visual difficulties,” Fernandes said.
He informed that there are 810 polling stations in South Goa, to be housed in 553 buildings, with 169 located in urban and 384 located in rural areas.
“Besides, there will be one poll volunteer per part and 2 NSS volunteers per part assigned in polling booths and 1 wheelchair to each polling station having one voting booth.”
“Two wheelchairs will also be provided for a cluster of two or more polling stations. Braille EPIC to blind voters are also being organised,” said Fernandes.
Fernandes said the EC had taken the initiative and he had followed it up being the nodal officer for disabled voters in South Goa.
“As per the Disability Act 2016, elections have to be made accessible to disabled voters. We are making efforts to ensure that every person, including the disabled, participate in the election. We have given training to disabled voters in Vasco, Ponda and Salcete.”
“Sector officers have been assigned seven polling stations each and are provided with a list of disabled voters and they will ensure that disabled voters are brought to the polling station and dropped back after voting.”
Fernandes was confident that the voting percentage would be high, as the EC did not want any voter to be left behind.
Mamlatdar Satish Prabhu said voting was a constitutional right which has to be exercised.
“Everyone must exercise his/her franchise and the EC has taken a great initiative to ensure that disabled voters are given adequate facilities to exercise their right to vote.”
“We have received 110 wheelchairs and there will be no polling station in Mormugao taluka which will not have a wheelchair.”
“We are ready with assured facilities for voters. We will also visit the houses of disabled voters and make them vote by providing all assistance required so that they exercise their right to vote,” said Prabhu.
