15,000 wheelchairs for voters with disabilities in Telangana

: The Election Commission is in the process of keeping about 15,000 wheelchairs ready across Telangana to enable people with disabilities to cast their vote during the Assembly elections on December 7, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said here Tuesday.

The Election Commission had said the elections should be disabled-friendly and was in the process of arranging upto 15,000 wheelchairs through various channels, Kumar told reporters here Tuesday.

Already, the department for the welfare of the disabled has floated a tender to procure 2,000 wheelchairs, he said.

Local bodies such as panchayat and urban local bodies have also earmarked funds for getting the aid, he said.

Free transport to polling booths would be provided to the disabled voters, Kumar said.

There were plans to set up an exclusive helpline for them and also provide ramps at every polling station, he said.

Some of the prominent personalities with disabilities have been appointed as brand ambassadors to create and increase awareness on the importance of vote, Kumar said.

Telugu actor Vijay Devarakonda has been appointed as an icon for Mahabubnagar district, he said.