Bengaluru: The election dates are out and the state election commission has taken several important measures for the smooth conduct of the polls. When compared to 2014 LS polls, the number of polling booths have been increased by seven per cent this time.
There were 54,265 booths during the last Lok Sabha elections and this time the numbers have gone up by 58,186.
The Election Commission has shifted its focus from providing minimum basic facilities at the polling centres to guaranteed basic facilities and working in this direction, the EC has made sure that clean drinking water, proper sheds, toilets, ramps for physically disabled voters, good voting compartments are provided.
The EC has said that all the polling centres must be established on ground floor compulsorily and wheel-chairs must made available for physically disabled voters. Ramps must be available for their easy movements and transportation facilities must be made available to them. All the measures taken aim at bringing more and more disabled persons to cast their vote and also to make their voting experience a comfortable one.
The specially abled persons in each and every polling booth jurisdiction will be identified and listed and the volunteers appointed by the Election Officer/ District Election Officer will help them in casting votes. Training will be imparted to each and every person deputed at the polling booth in helping the special voters.
Helpline for voters
Toll free number- 1950 has been opened across the nation to help voters get details on election and to register their complaints and feedback. Further, a single window named ‘Suvidha’ has been started where permissions during the election can be availed within 24 hours. The candidates and political parties can avail permissions for rallies, to use loud speakers and to set up election offices here.
