The 2019 Lok Sabha Election brought with it a wave of change in the form of an innovative and successful initiative by the Election Commission of India. Dubbed the Accessible Elections initiative, this plan broke down barriers of access and inclusivity for all voters, including Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Given particular attention during the Lok Sabha Elections, PwDs were ensured participation through various methods of assistance and accommodation provided at polling stations.
Initiatives to Facilitate Participation of PwDs
In the 2019 Lok Sabha Election, a special focus was given to the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. To achieve this goal, the Election Commission mapped electors station-wise based on disabilities and seniority. On polling day, targeted assistance catered to their specific needs was provided to ensure they had a comfortable voting experience.
Equipping Polling Stations for Accessibility
To further facilitate the participation of PwDs in the election process, measures were taken to equip all polling stations for increased accessibility. This included providing wheelchairs, ramps, sign language experts, appropriate signage, and transportation facilities for the convenience of PwD electors.
The Enrollment Process Made Easy
Efforts were made to streamline the enrollment process for PwDs as well. These efforts included door-to-door registration drives and the development of a special mobile application. This brought about ease of registration with efficient and accessible services.
Braille Integration and Accessibility Observers
Significant strides were also made towards assisting visually impaired voters. For the first time, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) featured embossed Braille signage. Other crucial documents such as voters’ slips and voter guides were also Braille-integrated. To guarantee the accessibility of all polling stations, Accessibility Observers were introduced.
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Electors Mapping | Station-wise mapping of electors based on disabilities and seniority |
| Polling Station Equipping | Fitted with wheelchairs, ramps, sign language experts, signage, and transport facilities for PwDs |
| Easy Enrollment | Door-to-door registration drives and a special mobile application for easy registration |
| Braille Integration | Braille signage embossed on EVMs, EPICs and other voting documents |
| Accessibility Observers | Introduction of observers to ensure the accessibility of all polling stations |
Providing Assured Minimum Facilities
Basic amenities were provided at polling stations for voters’ convenience. Facilities such as clean drinking water, sufficient furniture for those queuing, shade, toilets, and even medical aid were available. These steps ensured voters had a hassle-free voting experience.
Special State Initiatives
State Chief Executive Officers in regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal, and J&K launched special initiatives such as Divyang Sarathi and Divyang Dolis for the ease of PwDs and senior citizens.
Additional Government Initiatives for PwDs
Alongside election-specific initiatives, the Government of India introduced several countrywide initiatives aimed at empowering PwDs. This includes the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, creation of the “7th Guinness World Record” for implanting ‘Modern Artificial Limbs (Legs)’ on 260 Divyangjans within eight hours, and the introduction of an Indian Sign Language dictionary for hearing impaired individuals. These initiatives, driven by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment along with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, aim to improve overall living conditions and accessibility options for PwDs.