In a significant move towards enhancing political inclusion for people with disabilities (PWDs), the Election Commission of India has introduced several measures to facilitate easier voting for at least 26.8 million PWDs, about 2.21% of the country's population. These measures include the option for PWDs and voters above 85 years of age with 40 per cent benchmark disability to vote from home, a decision that has been positively received by the community. Additionally, the commission has launched the Saksham App, designed to make voting more accessible for PWDs and to provide necessary facilities at polling stations. Volunteers and wheelchairs will be available at every polling station, and transport facilities are being arranged to further assist voters. In Chennai, there is a call from PWDs for all 3,726 polling booths across three constituencies to be made differently-abled-friendly, highlighting the ongoing efforts for inclusivity in the electoral process.
#LokSabhaElections | Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Chennai request that all 3,726 polling booths in all three constituencies in the city be made differently-abled-friendly. https://t.co/iTmdj1QTqV
Election Commission Launches Saksham App To Facilitate Easier Voting For Persons With Disabilities And To Avail Facilities At Polling Stations https://t.co/ua9RV9gPYq
Election Commission announces voters above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities with 40 per cent benchmark disability can Vote from home. ▪️ Volunteers and wheel chairs will be available at every polling stations. The poll body is also arranging transport facility for… https://t.co/WaUoS7I5md
#JammuAndKashmir | Layquat Choudhry, a specially-abled person from Reasi district, is now excited, as the Election Commission has introduced the option to vote from home for people with disabilities (PwDs) @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI #ElectionCommission https://t.co/ijmP0WG2Wx
#Opinion | "At least 26.8 million persons with disabilities (PWDs), about 2.21% of the country’s #population, are waiting to be heard in their quest for #political inclusion," writes Sunita Aron (@overto) #HTPremium https://t.co/Pd1x2PcSuc