Teams for elderly, PwDs, COVID-afflicted persons to cast their votes from home

A CORRESPONDENT

HAILAKANDI: The Hailakandi district administration will constitute teams to enable senior citizens above 80 years, persons with disabilities (PwDs) and COVID suspect or afflicted persons to cast their votes from home through special ballot papers in the upcoming Assembly election.

At a press meet convened by the district administration at Deputy Commissioner's conference hall here on Thursday, District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner, Megh Nidhi Dahal said teams will be deputed for those who have crossed 80 years, persons with disabilities and COVID suspect or affected persons under quarantine to enable them to exercise their franchise from home through special ballot papers for the coming Assembly elections, as per the directive of the Election Commission of India.

Dahal pointed out that arrangements would also be made for persons affected by COVID to cast their votes at a specified time at the polling stations. Ramps would be constructed for the PwDs for their easy access to the polling centres, he added.

Putting matters in proper perspective in regard to ECI's Model Code Rule 9.6.1, DEO, Dahal stated that 'Beneficiary cards distributed to beneficiaries, construction site plaques, etc erected during the enforcement of Model Code shall not contain photographs/messages of Chief Ministers, Ministers and other political functionaries. However, no interference is called for in respect of photos of political functionaries on beneficiary cards, construction site plaques, etc that are distributed/erected prior to the announcement of election.'

Dahal urged the media persons to be a watchdog on any matters pertaining to Model Code of Conduct and to extend cooperation to the administration in ensuring free and fair elections to the three legislative constituencies of Hailakandi, Algapur and Katlicherra slated for April 1. District Development Commissioner, Ranajeet Kumar Laskar and other officials were present on the occasion.

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