Inching women towards responsibility, Karnataka to set up 450 pink polling booths ahead of Assembly elections
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Bengaluru, April 5: For the first time Karnataka will be having pink polling booths ahead of Assembly Elections. On Wednesday, Election Commission said it will set up Sakhi/Pink polling booths for the first time in the Karnataka assembly elections due to be held on 12 May.
“These pink polling booths will have completely female staff including presiding officers, polling officers, micro observers and security personnel. The pink booths are aimed at empowering women and increasing their participation in the poll process. Around 450 polling booths in Karnataka will have Sakhi polling stations,” the EC said.
The EC is undertaking an extensive campaign to encourage voting through videos and poster campaigns. Former Test cricketer Rahul Dravid has been chosen as the ‘ambassador’ for the upcoming polls.
On Wednesday, Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat and his team have undertaken a 3-day visit to the state and meeting with political parties, law enforcement and other agencies to check poll preparedness.
Further EC said that each polling booth will be equipped with a wheel chair, magnifying glasses and personnel to ensure the differently abled are given priority for entering polling stations.
“In the polling stations where permanent ramps have not been provided, temporary ramps have been created,” said the statement.