They refuse to take injustice lying down. A day after polls, many disabled voters complained to the Election Commission
and commissioner of disabilities about violation of their rights, as
they faced hurdles during voting. Their angst could be clearly seen on
social media where hundreds detailed their bad experiences through
status messages and photographs.
A disabled voter at a polling booth under Matia Mahal constituency.
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Dr Satendra Singh of University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi University, wrote to the Chief Election Officer of Delhi on Thursday, stating that many people with disabilities couldn't vote due to inaccessible polling booths. Singh also marked copies of the letter to the chief and state commissioners of persons with disabilities.
Giving specific instances, Singh wrote in his complaint: "The polling booth at SC/ST training centre outside GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Shahdara did not have a ramp or Braille signage as per one of my students who cast his vote. Shivani Gupta, another wheelchair user and president of 'AccessAbility', was not able to vote either."
Abha Khetarpal, wheelchair user and president of 'Cross the Hurdles', said in a comment on social media: "Polling booth number A 28 Subhash Nagar had no ramps or Braille stickers. Polling booths number 11, 12,13 and 14 in Rajokri had no ramps or Braille stickers too. Booth 13 in Rajokri had seven stairs. How can it be called a government for the people, by the people and for the people? If we report this to media they want 'proof''with pictures. But taking pictures is not allowed. A disabled system indeed!"
Source : TOI , 5th December 2013
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