Be polite to voters with special needs: Election Commission to poll staff

Seeking to make polling inclusive, the election commission of India has directed the poll staff in Maharashtra to ensure that proper assistance is given to all differently-able voters on the polling day.

In a circular issued last week, the EC has asked the chief electoral officer of the state to ensure that the disabled voters are given priority on entering the polling booth without having to wait in the queue. They have also been directed to provide assistance to these citizens so that they can cast their vote without any hassle.

The Conduct of Election Rules 1961 has provisions in this regard since years however the compliance has never been reached.

The EC has also asked them to make arrangements for the ramps – permanent or temporary – so that wheelchairs can go inside the booth. "The polling personnel must be briefed about the provisions of told about the of Rule 49N of the conduct of the elections rules 1961, which allows a companion to go with the blind/infirm electors to assist in casting votes…In the training classes they should be sensitized about the needs of the differently abled person and for courteous behaviour towards them," says the directive adding that the electors with speech and hearing must also be assisted.

There have been several complaints in the past from across India each election about lack of ramps and proper assistance in polling stations besides insensitivity of the polling personnel. There were reports of EVMs not having braille stickers which angered the electors as someone else had to cast vote on their behalf.

In the Lok sabha polls in May, some polling booths in Mumbai were set up on the second floor. "This deterred not only the disabled people but also the elders and pregnant women," said a Byculla resident.