New Delhi, April 9
In a move to enable the physically challenged persons to exercise their franchise in a smooth and dignified manner, the Election Commission has directed the states and Union Territories to make special arrangements in the
ensuing polls.
In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officers, the EC said that facilities such as taking wheelchairs inside the polling booths and wherever possible, wooden ramps, should be
provided.
The EC issued the direction after a delegation met the poll panel last week to appraise it of the difficulties it faces in exercising the right to franchise.
Citing its earlier order, the EC said physically handicapped persons should be allowed priority in entering the polling stations ahead of others and arrangements should be made for such persons to form separate queues.
They should also be allowed the facility of a companion to assist
them, it said.
The EC also directed the District Election Officers to apprise all personnel on poll duty about the special needs of the physically challenged.
Persons with speech and hearing impairment should also be given special care as persons with other disabilities, it said.
