Ponda: In a move appreciated by many, an awareness programme was organized in Ponda Taluka for persons with visual impairment where the election process was explained to them and in turn they were encouraged to cast their vote on April 23 for the Lok Sabha and Assembly by-poll in Shiroda.
There were 96 participants at the Ponda municipal hall including various government officials.
Agnel Fernandes, the nodal officer – Persons with Disability for South Goa, who welcomed them, stressed that no voter including persons with disabilities should be left out due to access and that the right to vote is a fundamental right. He further emphasized on how important it was for them to be active in the voting process. Later, along with Taha Haaziq the State Icon for PWD and State Nodal Officer for Persons with Disability, Dr. Shantanu Gauns, National Master Trainer imparted the training.
Taha reiterated that the Election Commission of India had instructed that the required facilities are kept ready to ensure they are not denied their constitutional right and further added that the Chief Electoral Officer had taken the drive very seriously to make the entire election process inclusive.
Dr. Shantanu listed out the voter id proof and other documents required at the polling station, the voting procedure and about transportation including if the voters want to cast their vote independently or if they needed to be escorted by a companion of their choice.
This was followed by hands on training where a dummy polling station was kept to create an experience zone to mimic the ambiance of the polling day, which saw a great response from the participants. 5 Persons with Visual Disability undertook hands on training on the EVM machine.
