Mobile app in the offing for differently-abled voters

The state election department is preparing a mobile app for persons with disability to ensure greater participation of physically challenged people in the electoral process.

The app christened 'Anubhab' has been designed keeping in mind the needs of physically challenged persons - to address their complaints, queries and facilitate their enrolment in the electoral rolls, said Ariz Aftab, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

"It has been designed in such a way that it will help people with physical impairments to enrol themselves and if they face any problem, there will be an option to call at number '1950' and our officials will visit the person for assistance," he said.

According to another official, the app will be launched during the 'Special Revision of Electoral Rolls, 2019' from September 1 to October 31, 2018.

"The ECI had asked us to prepare this app and it will be used by officials of other states as well," said a senior state election official.

Apart from voter awareness campaigns in various departments, private organisations and institutions, the CEO's office has decided to conduct 'Electoral Literacy Clubs' in colleges, universities and schools.

"We want to conduct such clubs in colleges and universities to educate first-time and young voters about the importance of taking part in the electoral process. We will organise them in secondary and higher secondary schools, too," the official said.