EC wants inclusive polling booth for differently abled

To ensure that the EC in a letter dated September 7, asked block level officials (BLO) to identify the differently abled category-wise in each polling station area. Their records are to be maintained in a database and their privacy maintained. They are not to be marked so in electoral rolls, it stated and added that voter guide, voter slips and voter Id cards (EPIC) should be in braille for the visually challenged.

State Chief Election Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said “Tamil Nadu has started the registration of differently abled persons. They were given the option of registering either on online or by calling 1950. The list of persons available with the differently abled welfare department has been registered.” 

Stating that more needed to be done in this regard, he regretted “that those with less than 40 per cent disability due not register voluntarily.” 

The letter said that an action taken report (ATR) is to be submitted to the CEC within a month on measures taken on the above. 

The social justice department is tasked with providing wheel chairs, while neutral youth volunteers are to be used for facilitation of the disabled, the letter adds. The letter also wants an Assured Minimum Facility (AMF) at polling stations including national, gradient level ramps, braille facility in voting machines and exclusive booths where differently abled are in large numbers. They are also to be provided toilets, tactile signs at polling stations and braille voter guide. 

A comprehensive activity chart (annexure I) regarding ease of registration and voting by the differently abled already prepared ensured that differently abled related activities are time bound with responsibility being fixed. 

It is to be followed by a separate Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation plan. Information on the education and facilitation for the differently abled is also mandated by the EC.