Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, May 18: In a first-of-its-kind accessibility audit that was carried out last week in each of the 30 polling stations ahead of the Panaji bypoll, broken wheelchairs and lack of designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities (PwD) were some of the issues that were highlighted.

Efforts are now being made to ensure that polling booths are accessible and welcoming for PwDs as well as senior citizens.

According to TOI, three NGOs working in the disabilities sector - iDare, Drag and NAB, facilitated by the office of the returning officer, Panaji, assessed facilities right from ramps to the height of the tables on which EVMs are placed. Booth level officers (BLOs) and engineers from the PWD and GSIDC were also present.

Despite adequate parking spaces at polling stations, auditors found that there were neither designated parking spaces for PwD voters nor signages to indicate this. Secretary iDare Monika Kshatriya, one of the auditors, recommended signages indicating reserved parking for PwD voters where the designated spots for PwD parking must be closest to the entry point.