Question

If you have access to the internet, visit the ECI website (https://www. eci.gov.in/persons-withdisabilities). Read and identify the various interventions that the ECI has taken to facilitate voting by people with disabilities.

Answer 1

The Election Commission of India works to make the voting process easier and more accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs). PwD voters are classified into four categories: visual impairment, speech and hearing disability, locomotor disability, and other disabilities. They can register through online services, service centres, or the Saksham app. The Election Commission has also introduced several measures to support PwD voters, including:

1. Mapping PwDs polling station wise for better support
2. Ensuring polling stations are on the ground floor.
3. Providing PwD-friendly facilities and separate queues.
4. Offering optional home voting.
5. Issuing voter ID cards and slips in Braille.
6. Adding Braille features on voting machines.
7. Providing wheelchairs, ramps, and free pick-and-drop transport.