Amidst the political buzz, New Delhi witnessed a groundbreaking move by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday. Breaking from tradition, the esteemed panel has ushered in a novel provision for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the imminent Lok Sabha Election – the option of home-based voting.
In a press release, the electoral body disclosed, “Individuals aged 85 and above, along with PwDs possessing a disability benchmark of 40%, can now partake in the electoral process from the comfort of their homes. This inclusive measure has already seen participation during the initial phases of polling.”
Nationwide statistics reveal a significant demographic eligible for this provision, with over 81 lakh octogenarian voters and 90 lakh+ PwD voters on the rolls.
CEC Rajiv Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, emphasized the empathetic gesture of the Commission. “By extending the home voting option to seniors and PwDs, we demonstrate our commitment to their well-being and dignity. It is our fervent wish that such initiatives inspire societal emulation in everyday interactions.”
Initial feedback from participants in the inaugural phase echoes sentiments of appreciation and contentment towards the ECI’s forward-looking initiative.
“The home voting process ensures the presence of a complete complement of polling officials and security personnel, ensuring the sanctity of the ballot remains intact. This move underscores the ECI’s resolve towards fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy, where every citizen’s voice is heard, irrespective of physical constraints or age,” affirmed the ECI.
Noteworthy instances from across the nation highlight the impact of this provision. In Churu, Rajasthan, eight PwD voters hailing from a single family exercised their franchise from the comfort of their abode, underscoring the robustness of India’s electoral fabric.
Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh, octogenarians Indumati Pandey and Sonmati Baghel, residents of Bastar and Sukma tribal districts, respectively, exercised their electoral rights through postal ballots in the serenity of their homes.
Further exemplifying the Commission’s commitment, ECI polling teams traversed 107 kilometers in Maharashtra to extend the home voting option to two elderly voters in the LWE (Left Wing Extremism) affected Sironcha town of Gadchiroli district.
It bears mentioning that CEC Rajiv Kumar, while unveiling the LS election schedule last month, had underscored the accessibility afforded to individuals aged 85 and above, as well as those with a disability exceeding 40%, to exercise their franchise from their residences.