With the motto ‘No voter to be left behind’, Assam launches Enajori initiative for people with disability in the LS polls

Guwahati, March 29: As the dates for election nears, the states have geared up to create awareness among the voters in full swing. Assam is one such state that has been on the forefront by launching various initiatives in creating awareness. Moving ahead, Assam chief electoral officer (CEO), Mukesh Sahu on Thursday launched the Enajori intitative at Janata Bhawan at Dispur in Guwahati.

 

The objective of this initiative is to make the ensuing Lok Sabha Election 2019 accessible for people with disability (PwD) voters, the spirit of which finds an encouraging place in the Constitution of India under Article 326. It is a joint initiative by CEO Assam and the Social Welfare Department. The initiative was launched through a video conference in the presence of all deputy commissioners and officials.

According to Section 11 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 states that Election Commission of India and State Election Departments shall ensure that all polling stations are accessible to persons with disabilities and all materials related to the electoral process are easily understandable by and accessible to them.

In the light of these provisions and guidelines, Enajori has been brought out by CEO Assam to facilitate PwD voters catering to their special needs which are in congruence with the motto of election – ‘No voter to be left behind’.

Under this initiative, Social Welfare Department will entrust field officials under the leadership of district disability co-ordinator and district Social Welfare officer to conduct comprehensive mapping of PwDs in consultation with booth level officers, Chandraprabha Baideus, Divyang Sarothis to facilitate these voters for a barrier-free and inclusive accessible election. Mapping includes moral boost, escort during poll day, counseling, ethical and informed voting.

Under Enajori, sensitization programmes will be conducted by Social Welfare Department to make aware the PwD voters about Braille system. A special initiative will be undertaken to make Braille voter slips and Braille ballot paper to facilitate blind voters.

District Transport Nodal Officer will be notified for a better conveyance of PwD voters to the polling station.