Panaji:: March 30, 2019 …. A training awareness programme was recently held on March 20, 2019 at 10.00 a.m in the Multipurpose Hall of Directorate of Art and Culture Patto, Panaji-Goa, for visually impaired voters on the election process/procedure, in connection with the ensuing Lok Sabha Election.
40 visually impaired voters (out of which 24 voter were blind and the balance were with low vision) from the Talukas of Sattari, Bicholim, Bardez, Tiswadi, Pernem and Priol attended the programme.
Shri Narayan Gad, Nodal Officer for Persons with Disability (PWDs) welcomed the visually impaired voters and explained to them, that the purpose of this training is to educate the visually impaired voters about the voting procedure and on the use of braille.
Smt. Menaka, IAS, Collector and District Election officer for North Goa Parliamentary Constituency informed that the Election Commission is trying to make the election process more inclusive, which means all the segment of the voters should be facilitated in the voting process. She further said that, all the measures/guidelines issued by Election Commission of India are being adopted in the North Goa Parliamentary Constituency in order to ensure the Persons With Disability are given all the necessary assistance in ensuring that they participate in the election process and exercise their franchise. She emphasized that voting right should be exercised by all.
Smt. Leena Prabhu, from National Association for the Blind, St. Cruz, provided hands on training to all the participants on using braille while casting vote on EVM.
Dr. Shantanu Gawas, Master trainer explained to the participants, the process of voting in the polling station. The feature of Braille EVM and dummy ballot papers were explained.
Some visually impaired voters opined that the training was very helpful to them as they understood how to cast vote using braille, without the assistance of companion.
There was interactive session, wherein the participants raised various questions about the use of braille and other voting procedure which was explained to them by the trainers with practical examples.
Shri Sudesh Gaude proposed vote of thanks.
