R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)
Karkala, Mar 24: The recently held process of distributing handbills by Indian Election Commission officials through paragliding to raise awareness about voting in view of the upcoming elections is alleged to be disastrous for the environment by people in the region.
Handbills published by SVCCP committee and district administration about Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) explaining how to exercise the franchise were strewn through paragliding. The process was held here on Friday morning, March 23. Though a programme to create awareness of the constitution, election process and oath taking was planned in Karkal Swaraj maidan on Thursday evening, March 22, paragliding was not possible due to excessive pressure of wind. Therefore, it was held at taluk grounds on Friday morning. The flight continued in municipal council limits.
Though the hand bills were strewn from high above in the air, most of them fell on commercial complexes, houses, tree branches and uninhabited areas instead of reaching the public. Very few of them fell in residential areas and on roads. While some people curiously lifted and saw them, others ignored them. It is ironical that the hand bills meant to create awareness among people, created an adverse impact on cleanliness in the town.
The contents in the hand bill
“As we enter the voting column, you will be allowed to vote in the ballot unit of the presiding officer. Press the blue button against the name of your candidate and symbol. A red light will glow against the name of the candidate and the sign selected by you. The number of the candidate, name and symbol will get printed. The printed slip can be seen by you through the glass. The slip will remain for seven seconds before falling in the printer box. A beep sound will be heard. If you are unable to see the slip or cannot hear the beep sound, you should inform the presiding officer,” are the suggestions in the hand bill.
Alternative arrangement
It would have been better if the hand bills were handed over to college students or citizens instead of strewing by paragliding.