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Nagpur: With polling day for the Nagpur and Ramtek Lok Sabha constituencies scheduled for April 19, Dr. Vipin Itankar, the District Collector and Returning Officer, has outlined comprehensive preparations to ensure seamless and accessible voting for all citizens, particularly focusing on facilitating the participation of Divyang persons.
Dr. Itankar emphasized that all necessary arrangements have been made at every polling booth to help Divyang (physically challenged) voters. Special provisions have been implemented to ensure that they can exercise their voting rights without any hindrance.
As a pivotal measure to enhance accessibility, Divyang Rath (vehicles designed to transport physically challenged individuals) will be stationed at every polling booth across all the Assembly segments of both Nagpur and Ramtek Lok Sabha constituencies. This initiative aims to facilitate the transportation of Divyang voters to the polling stations, thereby ensuring their active participation in the electoral process.
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Thursday 13 March 2025
Dr. Itankar reiterated the commitment of the election administration to conduct smooth, hassle-free voting. By implementing these measures, the authorities aim to eliminate any barriers that could impede the voting process for citizens, especially those with physical disabilities.
The provision of facilities and services catering to the needs of Divyang persons reflects a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and uphold the democratic principles of equal participation for all citizens. With these preparations in place, the authorities are optimistic about a successful and fair electoral process on April 19.
This year, medical kits will be made available at the polling centres in case a voter suffers a health problem. Besides, there will be sheds at polling centres, volunteers to help ‘divyang’ and pregnant women, creche for children, transportation for visually-impaired and divyang voters and queue management, Dr Itankar said.
He said that in view of the summer season and scorching sun, directions have been given to set up pandals for women, senior citizens, divyang voters and children accompanying their mothers. Transport arrangement has been made for those visually impaired and divyang voters, who demand this facility. They will be ferried from their houses to the polling centres and back.
He further said that if Divyang persons face any difficulty a helpline number 8329131808 (Praful Gohte) has been published.
Moreover, they can contact following staffers in case of hardship in voting at any of the polling stations.
