With simultaneous assembly and general elections creating huge optimism in all sections of the society, office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is all set to make some identified polling stations friendly to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Identified polling booths in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur Lok Sabha constituencies would facilitate smooth voting by PWDs especially visually impaired persons. “We are working on modalities and in process of identification of polling stations where PWDs especially visually challenged electors could come and cast their votes,” said Mona Sharma, CEO, here on Sunday.

Earlier, the Cuttack district administration had made a beginning to make polling booths accessible to persons with disabilities.

The administration had announced provide ramps and wheel chairs at polling booths. Besides, separate rows for the disabled and elderly voters with distinct signage were announced to be facilitated.

Odisha has witnessed 21 per cent jump in the population of disabled persons during the last one decade. As per the 2011 Census data, the total PWDs were enumerated at 12,44,402, registering a growth of 21.84 per cent over the decade 2001. Of the total disabled persons in the State, at least 6,74,775 are males and 5,69,627 females.

However, Sanyas Behera, a prominent PWD activist, said initiative of CEO appeared was nothing, but tokenism.

“In 2004, Supreme Court had directed Election Commission of India to facilitate enabling atmosphere for participation of PWDs, but 10 years after we are still confined to a few booths,” Mr. Behera said. In 2009, a special booth was set up at Press Colony High School for blinds in Bhubaneswar.

SOURCE: The Hindu