NEW DELHI: Over 10,000 students from government schools, DU, IP University and NCC are to assist the chief electoral officer of Delhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The students will be given special training to assist people with disabilities in casting their votes. The office of the chief electoral officer has written to the ministry of social justice and empowerment for 3,000 wheelchairs. It has also asked the directorate of education and welfare department to purchase wheelchairs.

During the 2014 and 2015 assembly and general elections, TOI had, through a series of reports, highlighted how a majority of the polling stations had no wheelchair facilities or volunteers for assistance. Also, in many instances, the ramps constructed were either too steep for people with disability to use or made in a way that they didn’t help accessibility.

At a meeting held under the chairmanship of the chief electoral officer on February 15, it was suggested that students’ help be sought for volunteering.

According to the minutes of the meeting, it was decided that directorate of education shall provide a list comprising of two students of Class XII (session 2019-20) from each of its schools, GGSIP University shall provide a list of 1,200 students, University of Delhi 1,200 students and NCC 6,000 cadets (Junior Wing) by February 28, 2019 for utilizing their services as volunteers. It shall also be ensured by the aforesaid institutions that the list be so comprised that it consists of 50% male and 50% female as far as possible (sic)”.

Source: The Times of India Feb 28, 2019 edition