Srinagar which is going to vote on May 13, during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, has decided to create a “festival-like environment” and prepared 32 theme-based polling booths that are colour-coordinated as per the message. According to PTI, polling booths that are in pink, red and blue are based on the themes, of women voters, Persons with Disability (PwD) voters and young voters.
Additionally, eight polling booths have to go with the theme of environmental sustainability.
Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, District Election Officer (DEO) of Srinagar stated that 32 polling stations feature vibrant and colourful message boards to create a festive atmosphere. The initiative also aims to promote participatory and inclusive voting.
"...the District Election Office, Srinagar has made polling stations colourfully vibrant, conveying special messages regarding women, persons with disabilities, (PwD) and the youth, besides (making) environmentally-viable and sustainable polling stations," he was quoted by PTI.
Bhat, who is also the Returning Officer of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, said that eight pink polling stations have been established for women in different areas of Srinagar. These would also be managed by an all-women staff, comprising booth-level officers, presiding and polling officers, and police and security forces. He also mentioned that the polling stations themed around women highlight that women are capable of fulfilling any responsibilities in all areas of life.
Similarly, the eight red polling stations have been set up for persons with disabilities which will be staffed by PwDs.
"These polling stations have been equipped with wheelchairs, ramps, braille script and other features to infuse confidence into differently-abled to make the voting process a smooth activity for them.
"...the idea is to instil confidence among the section and encourage them to vote wherever they are besides increasing sensitisation about their issues," the DEO said, as per PTI. Bhat added, that over 40 per cent of PwDs have already been given the opportunity to cast votes under ECI's initiative ‘Vote from Home’, according to PTI. The three-day campaign for home voting which was flagged on May 7 by the DEO concluded Thursday.
The blue polling booths are for young voters.
Eight polling booths have been coloured green and a plantation activity will be carried on the polling day by the first voter. He added that these polling stations will also be plastic-free to promote environmental sustainability.
There are around 17.50 lakh people who will decide the fate of 24 candidates on May 13. Of these, over two lakh are first-time voters, who are in the age group of 18-20.