GHMC to provide free transportation for differently-abled voters

Hyderabad: Elaborate arrangements for the differently-abled persons to cast their vote are underway. M Dana Kishore, DEO and Commissioner, GHMC, said that in a bid to increase the voting percentage in the ensuing elections, modernised EVMs, VVPATS would be set up at community halls, parks and important public places to educate them.

The DEO said that as per the available records there are around 29,000 disabled pensioners and directions have been given to the EROs and connected officials to thoroughly verify and enroll their names in the electoral rolls by visiting their residence. Instructions have been given to the EROs to ensure that the names of the physically handicapped persons are included in the electoral rolls at the nearest polling stations of their residence.  The GHMC is providing free transportation, wheel chairs, ramps, toilets for women, helpers/escorts, basic minimum facilities in all the polling stations for ensuing to cast their vote in the first hour on the polling day.

Responding to the suggestions made by the representatives of the disabled committee the DEO said that the points raised by them will be properly implemented well in advance of the commencement of the elections and further suggestions will also be welcomed the DEO added. Publicity campaigns like TV scrolls, Radio Jingles, Cinema Slide and discussions with the Disabled Committee members live interaction in the TV channels to increase the voting percentage of the disabled persons.

Harichandana, AC UCD,GHMC, Shailaja, Commissioner, Disabled Welfare department along with the representatives of disabled committee and the staff of UCD wing of GHMC held a review meeting at GHMC head office on Sunday while interacting with the officials and representatives the DEO said 18,000 Swachh workers will be deployed as escorts /helpers in all the polling stations. A nodal officer would be appointed to look after the polling process of the disabled persons.