Inclusive Elections Promoted Through Various Initiatives: CEO
1 min read
Shimla | July 2, 2024
Manessh Garg, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Himachal Pradesh, highlighted several initiatives undertaken to ensure inclusive elections under the guidance of the Election Commission of India (ECI). During the recently concluded Lok Sabha Elections (LSE) 2024, Himachal Pradesh saw a total of 5,645,579 electors, including 57,775 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters enrolled.
Garg emphasized that 7,992 polling booths across the state were equipped with assured minimum facilities, ensuring accessibility for PwD voters. Notably, 28 booths were exclusively managed by PwD employees. Various facilities such as pick-up and drop services, wheelchairs, and volunteers for assistance were provided to encourage greater participation of PwD and elderly voters. Home voting facilities benefited 10,634 PwD and 29,921 elderly voters aged above 85.
Efforts to update the PwD database involved collaboration with the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment/Hospitals, facilitating their enrollment through Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and campus ambassadors in colleges. Awareness drives on local radio and Doordarshan programs focused on PwDs, complemented by street plays and rallies, further enhanced electoral participation.
Special measures included posters aiding communication with hearing-impaired individuals and training programs for polling parties to sensitively interact with diverse PwD categories.
