The Election Commission (EC) has awarded the chief electoral officer (CEO) Punjab with the national award ‘Best CEO for Accessible Elections’ for making elaborate arrangements to facilitate the persons with disabilities (Divyang) voters, old and Infirm, Pregnant women voters etc during general elections to the Parliament 2019.
President Ram Nath Kovind conferred this coveted national award upon the CEO Punjab S Karuna Raju on Saturday during National Voter’s Day function held at Zoravar Auditorium at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
On having received the award, Raju said that this honour belongs to voters and all Electoral stakeholders of Punjab and was the result of administrative support of chief secretary of Punjab and constructive support of principal secretary finance and commendable arrangements made during the elections in collaboration with the departments of rural development and panchayats, health and family welfare and social security.
He said that exemplary arrangements were put in place as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India for the facilitation of Divyang voters in elections. Punjab Election machinery made concerted efforts with special focus on accessibility.
State engaged persons with disabilities with the help of Mobile app with sign language specially made for them and free transportation by pressing in minivans, battery-run vehicles, and auto-rickshaws etc, volunteers were also placed at all polling booths numbering 23214 spread across 13 Parliamentary constituencies thus making all efforts to make voting a happy and satisfying experience for all categories of voters.