Differently-abled need not think twice before to they go polling stations to cast their vote this general elections as they would be provided free transportation, wheel chair facility, ramps, toilets and helpers or escorts in the first hour of the polling day in Hyderabad.
District Election Officer & GHMC Commissioner M. Dana Kishore said on Sunday that electoral registration officers and connected officials have been directed to thoroughly verify and enrol the names of differently-abled in the electoral rolls by visiting their respective residences. He added that there were around 29,000 disabled pensioners.
A total of 18,000 Swachh workers would be deployed as escorts or helpers at all the polling stations. A nodal officer would also be appointed to look after the polling process of the disabled persons. The effort is to ensure that they cast their vote without any inconvenience as well as to increase the voting percentage in the forthcoming elections.
Awareness campaigns are being taken up to educate general public on the use of modernised EVMs and VVPATs at community halls, parks and public places.
Also, publicity campaigns like TV scrolls, radio jingles, cinema slides and discussions with disabled committee members as well as live interaction in TV channels would be taken up to increase the voting percentage of the disabled persons, he said during a review and interaction meeting with the representatives of the disabled committee.
Additional Commissioner Harichandana, Commissioner of Disabled Welfare Shailaja and other officials attended the meeting.
The DEO appealed to the citizens to participate in the demonstration of EVMs and VVPATs at Indira Park on Monday at 3 p.m.