Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 9: A voting awareness was organized by Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) committee for the specially-abled, hearing and visually impaired at Malpe beach here on Sunday, April 8.
The awareness campaign was held through parasailing, boating at beach, distributing awareness pamphlets, posters for public and tourists, who were gathered at the beach. A two-wheeler rally was also organised for physically challenged people who were displaying voting awareness boards.
Udupi zilla panchayat CEO and district SVEEP committee chairman Shivananda Kapashi presided over the programme. Addressing the gathering, he said, “This is a unique awareness campaign organized by district Election Commission to encourage voters,”
“The Election Commission will ensure that every citizen participates in elections by providing necessary fundamental facilities to voters. A special ramp and wheelchair system will be provided for the physically challenged. A helpline number 0820-2574811 is also provided for specially-abled citizens. Vehicle arrangement has been made to help them travel to polling booth on the day of election.
“'Minchina Nondani' (Fast registration of voters name), a campaign for enrollment, amendment, confirmation of voters names in the voters’ list and deletion of names will be run till April 14,” he said. Kapashi further urged the public to vote without fail.
As many as 10 specially-abled people participated in parasailing which will be open for a week. Any of them can make use of this opportunity which is free of charge.
Grace Gonsalves, deputy director of Women's and Child Development department, Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty, assistant director of Youth and Sports department, Rohini K, district information officer, Vishwanath, district labour officer, Niranjan Bhat, district Specially-abled and Senior Citizens’ Empowerment department, and Ashok Kamath, district education officer were present.
Voting oath was administered to the specially-abled eligible voters and the public. Followed by the stage function, colourful cultural programmes by specially-abled children were also held.
PDO Mahesh welcomed and rendered the vote of thanks.