GUWAHATI, April 4 � Not all was fair in the first phase of elections across many parts of Assam. While the election juggernaut rolled on, it seems the authorities concerned forgot to act responsibly with the disabled and aged voters in many polling booths.
In April, 2004, in response to a countrywide campaign and Public Interest Litigation being filed by the Disabled Rights Group prior to the Parliamentary elections, the Supreme Court had directed all the States and Union Territories across the country to make polling booths accessible and thereby enable persons with disabilities to exercise their right to franchise.
According to the Disability Law Unit of Shishu Sarothi, there have been instances where no ramps have been provided thereby making it almost impossible for persons with disabilities from exercising their franchise, a right guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
To name a few, the polling station No. 66 (Kirua Bahi LP School), polling station No. 33 (Bokakhat Hind High School), polling station No. 50 (Namdeo LP School) and polling station No. 52 (Mugilal LP School) all under the Bokakhat constituency No. 39 were without the facility of ramps for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
Ramps were provided in the Dhemaji constituency No. 113 but the same were not really practical and convenient for persons with disability.
The polling station No. 219 (Panchim Dhenukana Balika ME School) under the Dhemaji constituency No. 113 had a ramp that was too elevated and with such a stiff gradient it was not really possible for persons with disabilities to use the ramp.
Another instance was the polling station No. 154 (Chenjlipathar MV School) in the same Dhemaji constituency where the ramp provided was not concrete or wooden but made of soft soil and, as such, it was quite uneven and unmanageable for a person with disability to manoeuvre over it.
Taking note of the situation a request has been made to the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, to ensure adequate facilities in the second phase of the ongoing polls in Assam scheduled for April 11.
It was also mentioned that the personnel at the polling station should ensure that the physically challenged are given priority for entering the polling station, without having to wait in the queue and all necessary assistance as may be required should be provided to them.
The polling personnel should be specifically briefed about the provisions of Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which provides for permitting a companion to accompany a blind/infirm elector to assist him/her to cast the vote.