Accessible Elections

• 29 Jul 2019

The Election Commission of India’s Accessible Elections initiative in Lok Sabha Election-2019 has been successful in making the election process more participative and inclusive.

• During Lok Sabha Elections special focus was given to ensure the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

Key Initiatives

• Facilitation for Persons with Disabilities: The electors with disabilities and senior citizens were mapped polling station wise to provide them targeted and need based assistance on the day of poll.
  
  • Polling Station: All the polling stations in Lok Sabha Election 2019 were equipped with wheelchairs, ramps, sign language expert, signage and transport facility for the convenience of PwD electors.
  • Easy Enrollment Process: To facilitate PwDs during the enrollment process door to door registration drives and a special mobile application was also developed by the Commission for easy registration.
• Braille Signage on Electronic Voting Machine and Electors Photo Identity Card: EVMs used in the elections were embossed with Braille signage for the visually impaired voters assistance.
  
  • It was the first time that Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) with braille were provided to the visually impaired electors.
  • Other documents like voters slip, voter guide had braille signage too.
  • Accessibility Observers were introduced, who ensured all the polling stations are accessible to PwDs.
• Assured Minimum Facilities
  
  • Basic Minimum Facilities: For the convenience and facilitation of voters, polling stations were equipped with clean drinking water, adequate furniture for voters in the queue, shed, and toilets for the voters.
  • Medical Aid: Facilities like medical aid with basic supplies were also provided on the day of poll.
• Special Initiatives by State Chief Executive Officers: Other than nationwide initiatives states in mountainous and hilly terrains of Uttarakhand, Himachal, J&K launched Divyang Sarathi and Divyang Dolis for PwDs and senior citizens.

Other Initiatives

• The Government of India enacted Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• Recently, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has created “7^th Guinness Book of World Record” for implanting ‘Modern Artificial Limbs (Legs)’ on 260 Divyangjans within eight hours.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised Regional Conference on “Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)” in Mumbai.
• Government of India introduced Indian Sign Language dictionary for hearing impaired individuals.

Source: PIB