Odisha govt to provide 25,000 wheelchairs at polling booths

In a bid to ensure seamless polling for specially-abled voters, the state government plans to introduce a slew of measures, including the provision of around 25,000 wheelchairs at polling booths, Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Surendra Kumar said on Monday.

As per Kumar, there are over 4 lakh voters under the persons with disabilities (PwD) category in Odisha.

"We have decided to make this election PwD-friendly. Odisha government will provide 25,000 wheelchairs at booths during polls. Each booth will have two volunteers below the age of 18, either belonging to NCC or Scouts and Guides, to help PwD voters," Kumar said while speaking to ANI.

"Returning officers in each district will provide passes to PwD voters which will serve two purposes - priority voting and transportation facility. They will not have to stand in a queue and wherever required, vehicles will be provided to bring them to the booths and drop them back home," he added.

Odisha will be going to polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies.

There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha.