BY TC News Desk
Agartala, February 04, 2023: Chief Electoral Officer Kiran Gitte on Saturday said that the electorates can exercise their franchise by showing 12 identity cards other than voter ID card on February 16 next.
Speaking to media persons here at West Tripura district’s DM office on Saturday afternoon, CEO Gitte said “About one hundred percent of voters in the state have photo voter ID cards. If a voter cannot show their voter ID card at the polling station, voters can cast their vote by showing 12 other ID cards as an alternative. The Election Commission of India has approved these 12 alternative identity cards.”
These are Aadhar Card, MGNREGA Job Card, Photo Passbook issued by Bank or Post Office, Health Insurance Smart Card issued by Ministry of Labour, Driving License, PAN Card, RGI Smart Card issued by NPR, Indian Passport, Pension Document with Photo, Central Government Service Identity Card with photograph of State Government, PSU, Public Limited Company employees, Official Identity Card issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs and Unique Disability ID issued by Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
He said that 88 model polling stations will be opened in 60 assembly constituencies of the state for voting in the assembly elections. 97 polling stations manned by women will be opened and the security personnel in these centres will also be women.
As many as 28 polling stations will be opened manned by persons with disabilities (PwDs). However, everyone will not be PwDs in these polling stations. Each booth will have two PwDs. This arrangement is to highlight that the disabled can also work with equal responsibility. 33 youth-run polling stations will be opened to encourage the younger generation to vote. The model booths will highlight the state’s heritage and culture, he added.
The Chief Electoral Officer said that the work of EVM commissioning, postal ballot, service voter and printing of ballot paper for voting in tender ballot has been completed. Commissioning of EVMs will be done across the state from February 6 to 8. He said that on February 9, Election Commission of India will hold a virtual joint meeting with Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of Tripura, Assam and Mizoram. Security has been tightened across the state. So far illegal liquor, drugs, cash and other items worth Rs 29 crore 25 lakh 74 thousand have been seized across the state.
