Persons with disabilities look to vote with dignity

GUWAHATI: Mampy Mallik is looking forward to exercising her democratic rights despite having an orthopaedic disability that makes walking difficult. Dreading the serpentine queues in front of polling booths, Mampy hopes that the electoral process will be made more feasible for physically-challenged people like her.
In a move that is sure to boost her morale, Shishu Sarothi, an NGO, plans on appealing to the state chief electoral officer to ensure implementation of the Election Commission-prescribed rules regarding physically-challenged voters.The provisions stipulate that such voters be given priority so that they can cast their votes in a dignified manner. The NGO will also appeal to the state CEO to increase sensitization of polling officers.
"We can say from previous experience that disabled voters are often inconvenienced at polling booths. The polling officers should ensure that such voters are given priority and assistance. They should not be made to wait in long queues. We want the Election Commission's order to be implemented properly. The physically-challenged should exercise their constitutional rights without facing any obstructions," said Amvallika Senapati, coordinator of the Disability Law Unit (northeast), Shishu Sarothi.
Comprising 2.21 per cent of India's population as per the last census report, physically-challenged individuals are rarely considered an important enough vote-bank. However, a 2004 order of the Supreme Court directs all states and union territories to make polling booths accessible to people with disabilities. "We are waiting for political parties to come out with their manifestos. This is not an issue of charity. They must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights. There should be proper facilities for the visually impaired in terms of Braille on manual vote paper. Blind voters should be allowed to cast their vote with the help of a companion," said Arman Ali, executive director, Shishu Sarothi.
In order to create an attitudinal shift, sensitization of polling officers is also on the cards for Shishu Sarothi. Ali added that assistance should be provided to voters while entering booths. Polling officers should be made aware about Rule 49N of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, that allows a companion for visually- challenged voters.
"I have never missed an opportunity to vote. At the same time, I feel a lot more needs to be done to create a better environment for people like us. Proper facilities should be arranged for us," said Anubhav Mahanta, who suffers from locomotor disability.