By TC News Desk
Agartala, 17th April 2024: Home voting for individuals aged 85 and above, as well as persons with disabilities, has commenced today in the East Tripura (ST) parliamentary constituency. This innovative initiative by the Election Commission of India (ECI) is aimed at ensuring inclusive and accessible elections across the region.
The Sub-divisional Magistrate and Assistant Returning Officer, Shyam Joyti Jamatia, elaborated on the implementation of the home voting process.
“The exercise started at 9 am today in the 54-Kurti Kadamtala, 55-Bagbassa, 56-Dharmanagar, and 57-Jubaraj Nagar areas. We have deployed seven teams, each comprising two polling staff, one micro-observer, one photographer, and one Group D personnel, along with sector officers and police. The voting will continue until 5 pm for the next day,” he said.
The home voting initiative has been widely welcomed by the local residents of East Tripura, who see it as a significant step towards empowering the elderly and the differently-abled to exercise their democratic rights.
A voter from the Swarnamoyee Lane under the 56 Assembly Constituency, Kulin Kumar Nath, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This decision by the ECI has enabled my 94-year-old mother, Prabhasini Nath, to cast her vote from the comfort of our home.”
Families with persons with disabilities have also praised the move, as it has allowed their loved ones to participate in the electoral process without the added challenge of traveling to polling stations.
“Ninety percent of the disabled people in our locality can now vote from home. This is a remarkable step by the Election Commission,” said a local resident.
The home voting process in East Tripura is expected to conclude by the end of tomorrow, with the polling staff submitting their reports by 5 pm each day. This pioneering effort by the ECI aims to create a more inclusive and accessible electoral landscape, empowering every citizen to have a voice in shaping the future of the nation.
