EC to make Lok Sabha polls disabled-friendly

Introduction of Braille-facilitated electronic voting machines and separate queues and ramps are among the measures taken by the Election Commission to ensure that physically-challenged voters do not face any problems while exercising their franchise.

Introduction of Braille-facilitated electronic voting machines (EVMs) and separate queues and ramps are among the measures taken by the Election Commission to ensure that millions of physically-challenged voters do not face any problems while exercising their franchise.

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A substantial number of the total 11 lakh EVMs to be used in this polls will contain Braille numerals by the side of the ballot buttons to assist the visually challenged voters to cast their votes with dignity and secrecy, Election Commission sources said.

Earlier, such people would have to take help from another person to vote. But, with the introduction of the new facility they can cast their vote themselves, he said.

The officers said that such electorates who are not Braille educated can cast their votes with the help of another person.

"This is for the first time that India is going to witness disabled-friendly elections. It is a historic opportunity for the differently- abled population of the country to have a say in selection of their representatives," said Javed Abidi, convenor of Disabled Rights Group, a Delhi-based NGO.