HP State Election Commission launches helpline (1950) to assist Divyang, senior citizens

Shimla, Sep 29 (UNI) During by-elections for Mandi Parliamentary constituency and three Assembly seats, all types of assistance would be provided to the differently-abled voters through voter helpline Number 1950, Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission said on Wednesday.
State Coordinator for the Disabled Voters, Prof Ajay Srivastava, in a statement, said: “Visually impaired voters would be able to vote through Braille and a vehicles to be arranged to bring Divyang and elderly voters above 80 years of age, who feel difficulty in walking, from home to the polling station and take them back.”
He said that the guidelines of the Election Commission of India would be strictly followed in the by-elections.
By calling the helpline number 1950 in advance, Divyang and elderly voters above the age of 80 years can demand wheelchair and vehicle arrangement to go from home to polling station.
Voter slip and voter guide will be available in Braille for visually impaired voters at the polling stations.
They would be able to cast their vote through Braille in the EVM by reading it. Polling officers will also be made aware about this so that Divyang voters do not face any problem.

He said that volunteers would also be deployed at the polling stations to help the differently-abled voters and citizens.
If necessary, such ramps will be arranged in the polling stations so that the voters with wheelchairs and other handicapped can easily go.

Pro Srivastava said that during long queues for polling voters, priority will be given to Devyang voter moreover. “Special attention will be given to voters having hearing and speaking difficulties,” he added.
Such a poster would also be put up at the polling stations so that the voters with disabilities can get all the information.