Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 17 April 2024
As the election day draws near, the District Administration of South Andaman has intensified efforts to ensure every eligible voter, especially senior citizens and individuals with disabilities (divyangjan), can exercise their right to vote conveniently.
In a proactive initiative, a special drive was conducted on April 12 and April 13, 2024, wherein postal ballots were facilitated directly at the households of senior citizens and divyangjan. This measure aimed to make the voting process more accessible and hassle-free for these segments of the population.
Furthermore, the Auto and Taxi Associations were sensitised and urged to extend free rides to senior citizens and divyangjains traveling between their homes and Polling Stations on the election day. This initiative seeks to remove transportation barriers that might hinder these individuals from reaching the polling booths.
Ensuring inclusivity, all Polling Stations have been made divyang-friendly with the provision of suitable ramps, and wheelchairs have been made available to assist voters with mobility challenges.
In a bid to encourage senior citizens and divyang voters to participate in the electoral process, the District Election Office has announced the provision of free transportation services on the polling day, scheduled for April 19, 2024. Eligible voters can register for this service by contacting the Toll-Free Number ‘1950’ or submitting their request through the Mobile App ‘SAKSHAM’. Subsequently, the District Administration will make necessary arrangements for providing free pick-up and drop facilities to the registered voters.
Importantly, voters who have already cast their votes through postal ballots are reminded that they are not entitled to vote again on the election day, as their names have already been marked in the electoral roll.
The initiative underscores the commitment of the District Administration to ensure that every eligible voter, irrespective of age or physical ability, can participate in the democratic process without any hindrance.