Cachar District to Deploy Record 400 All-Women Polling Stations for Assam Assembly Elections
In a landmark move towards gender inclusivity, Cachar district in Assam is set to establish a record 400 polling stations managed entirely by women during the upcoming state assembly elections. District Magistrate Ayush Garg announced this initiative, marking a sharp increase from the 201 such booths deployed during the 2021 polls.
Enhanced Security and Expanded Infrastructure
The district administration has identified 95 polling stations as "critical" and 60 as "sensitive", with enhanced security arrangements planned to ensure a smooth and secure voting process. Officials are coordinating closely with security agencies, and additional forces may be deployed in vulnerable areas to maintain order.
Cachar now boasts a total of 1,732 polling stations, up from 1,551 previously, in a strategic move aimed at improving voter access and convenience ahead of the election. The district encompasses 13,81,903 electors across seven assembly constituencies, including:
- 6,91,607 men
- 6,90,283 women
- 13 third-gender voters
Prohibitory Orders to Ensure Public Order
Ahead of polling on April 9, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to maintain public order during the election period. The order, issued by District Magistrate Ayush Garg on March 16, cites concerns over anti-social elements potentially attempting to disrupt peace during the polls.
Key restrictions include:
- Prohibition on assembly of five or more people in public places without prior permission.
- Ban on carrying weapons such as lathis, daggers, sticks, spears, and swords.
- Restrictions on public rallies, processions, demonstrations, strikes, dharnas, and slogan shouting without permission, especially where they may block roads or disrupt traffic.
- Ban on use of loudspeakers without permission, with a complete prohibition from 10pm to 6am.
- Prohibition on inflammatory speeches, communal or anti-state slogans, defacement of religious places or government buildings, and circulation of objectionable messages via SMS or social media that could influence the electoral process.
Exemptions and Enforcement
Exemptions have been granted for routine gatherings in markets, educational institutions, transport hubs, sporting events, marriage ceremonies, and religious functions. Additionally, police, armed forces, magistrates on duty, government officials on official work, and candidates conducting door-to-door campaigning are exempt from these restrictions.
The prohibitory orders have taken immediate effect and will remain in force until the declaration of election results. Violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as confirmed by officials.
This comprehensive approach underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process in Cachar district, while simultaneously promoting gender inclusivity through the record deployment of all-women polling stations.
