KOHIMA, JUNE 22 (MExN): The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has sought report from the State Election Commissioner on the measures taken to ensure accessibility to Persons with Disabilities in the forthcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) which is scheduled on June 26.
State Commissioner for PwDs, Deithono Nakhro brought to notice Section 11 and 8 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 which states that the Election Commission of India and the State Election Commission should ensure that the election process and all polling stations are accessible to PwDs and all materials relate to the electoral process are easily understandable by and accessible to them.
As per the provisions, reasonable accommodations are required to be made to ensure that eligible voters with disabilities are able to fully participate in the electoral process which include identification of electors with disabilities polling station wise, ensuring physical access and facilities at polling stations, provision of wheelchairs at identified polling stations, provision of volunteers, priority entry passes, provision of alternative voting methods like advance or early voting.
Besides, there should be training and sensitization of polling officials so they understand and are empathetic to the needs of voters with disabilities.
While highlighting these provisions, the State Commissioner, however, noted that till date there is no mention of facilities being provided for electors with disabilities as per the information received on the preparations made for the upcoming ULB.
The State Commissioner deemed it imperative that the mentioned provisions are administered and implemented by the State Election Commission so that PwDs are not left out from exercising their Adult Franchisee. It has asked the SEC to submit the action taken report on the provisions to the Court of the State Commissioner for PwDs on or before June 24.
