DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal said that in honor of the celebration of democracy during the Lok Sabha Elections-2024, the Election Commission has made special provisions at polling stations to facilitate voting for individuals with disabilities and those aged 85 and above so that they can exercise their franchise. There are approximately 1.48 lakh disabled voters in the state.

He further elaborated that to ensure convenient access for the aforementioned categories of voters, along with making arrangements for ramps, wheel chairs, transportation arrangements, medical kits etc., at the polling stations, NCC and NSS volunteers should be deployed to assist them. Moreover, The Commission has also created a Saksham app for the disabled voters to provide information related to elections.

He said that the Education Department plays a crucial role in elections since most polling stations are located within schools. Teachers should give information regarding the election process to students and encourage them to raise awareness among their parents and others about the importance of voting. On voting day, when parents come to cast their votes, students should accompany them, take a selfie together, and upload it.

The Election Commission's goal is to ensure that every eligible voter in the country exercises their franchise and actively participates in the elections.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal said that according to Section 127 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, no printing press or owner of a printing press will be allowed to print any type of illegal material related to the election campaign during the Lok Sabha General Election-2024. Necessary action will be taken against those found guilty.

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that any printed document that defames someone's religion, caste, community, language, or character will be illegal. He said that the printing press owner and printers will print their complete address including the printing press on the main page of each printed material.

Concerning printing, each printing press owner will have to submit four copies of the prescribed Form 1 and 2, two declarations related to printing, which are attested by two persons, to the District Magistrate's office immediately after printing. He said that all printing press owners should ensure compliance with these directions.
(editor@dailyworld.in)