Telangana: EC conducts review meeting of poll-preparedness

An 11-member team of the Election Commission of India led by Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat held a district-wise review meeting on the law and order situation and district election plans with the district election officers, district superintendent of police and other officers from all the 31 districts of Telangana.

Deputy Inspector General's of Police (DIGs) and Inspector General's (IG) also attended the meeting and focused especially on the vulnerable areas including those facing the Maoist threat. The review meeting was held for 9 hours on the second day of their visit to Hyderabad.

A special meeting was held between with the physically challenged association where the members discussed the problems faced by them during the polling day. Responding to their problems, the Central Election Commission (CEC) initiated an accessibility-friendly voting campaign for people with disabilities.

CEC has ordered for arranging ramps at every polling station with a wheelchair and one assistant to support the physically handicapped people. Polling facilities will also be provided at the ground floor in all the polling stations to provide easy access to the physically handicapped people to utilise their votes. Free pickup and drop facilities to the people with disabilities will also be made available at the polling stations.

Braille electoral photo identity cards (EPIC) are provided for visually impaired persons.

Around 5 lakh physically challenged voters are been recognised in Telangana state.

On Wednesday the CEC will hold a meeting with State police Nodal officers, Income tax, and other government departments to review on the Money transactions and liquor supply to the voters.

Later a special meeting will be held with Chief Secretary and DGP of the state. After holding all the meeting with officers the Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawath will take part in press conference briefing their three days visit in Telangana.