A recent report has brought to light the lack of wheelchair facilities for voters in Samrala, raising serious concerns about accessibility for persons with disabilities during the electoral process. The absence of such basic amenities has been criticized by activists and local residents, who argue that it disenfranchises a significant segment of the population.
Accessibility Issues in Samrala Polling Stations
According to the report, several polling stations in the Samrala area do not have wheelchair ramps or other assistive devices to help voters with mobility issues. This has made it difficult for elderly and disabled individuals to cast their votes independently. Many voters were forced to rely on family members or bystanders for assistance, which compromises their privacy and dignity.
Concerns Raised by Disability Activists
Disability rights activists have expressed dismay over the situation, stating that it violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Act mandates that all public buildings, including polling stations, must be accessible. Activists have called for immediate action from the Election Commission to ensure compliance with accessibility norms.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Lack of ramps and handrails at polling stations
- No designated parking for disabled voters
- Absence of sign language interpreters for hearing-impaired voters
- Inadequate training for polling staff on assisting disabled voters
Local Residents Speak Out
Several residents shared their experiences, describing the challenges they faced while trying to vote. An elderly voter said, "I had to climb stairs to reach the polling booth. There was no wheelchair or anyone to help. It was a very difficult experience." Another disabled voter added, "I felt excluded from the democratic process because of these barriers."
The report also noted that some polling stations were located in schools and community halls that lacked basic accessibility features. While some stations had ramps, they were often steep or obstructed, making them unusable for wheelchair users.
Call for Action
Civil society organizations have urged the Election Commission to conduct an audit of all polling stations in Samrala and ensure that accessible facilities are provided before the next election. They have also demanded that the commission make accessibility a key criterion during the selection of polling station locations.
This issue is not limited to Samrala but reflects a broader problem across many regions in India, where accessibility for disabled voters remains neglected.
In response, local election officials have promised to look into the matter and take corrective measures. However, activists remain skeptical, citing a history of unfulfilled promises. They emphasize that without strict enforcement of accessibility laws, many disabled voters will continue to be denied their fundamental right to vote.
