Bengal students to beautify polling stations

In a unique venture, the Election Commission has tied up with West Bengal's higher education department to identify specific schools where polling stations will be beautified with the help of students, an official said Friday.

"We are identifying schools in districts like Coochbehar, South Dinajpur, Nadia and Hooghly where students and the school management committee will help in beautifying the booths. This is unique to Bengal and we have collaborated with the higher education department," assistant chief electoral officer Amitjyoti Bhattacharji told reporters here.

"Christened 'Let us make our polling stations better', the venture will transform ordinary booths into works of art. Students will put up posters and photographs related to the voting process," he said.

The poll panel has also stressed on developing exclusive polling booths under its 'model polling station' initiative, equipped with amenities including a ramp for the physically challenged and sanitation facilities.