Free transport, 15,000 wheelchairs for voters with disabilities in Telangana

Free transport, helpline and about 15,000 wheelchairs will be arranged at polling places to enable people with disabilities to cast their vote during the Assembly elections in Telangana on December 7, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar announced in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

In keeping with the aim of making elections disabled-friendly, the Election Commission is in the process of arranging up to 15,000 wheelchairs through various channels, Kumar told reporters.

The CEO said that the department for the welfare of the disabled has floated a tender to procure 2,000 wheelchairs. The panchayat and urban local bodies have also earmarked funds for it, he added.

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Kumar also said that apart from the wheelchairs, free transport would be provided to the disabled voters to reach the polling booths. An exclusive helpline and ramps would also be provided at every polling station, he said.

In an effort to create awareness on the importance pf voting and make the plan successful, some prominent leaders with disabilities have been appointed as brand ambassadors, Kumar said. He said that Telugu actor Vijay Devarakonda has been appointed as an icon for Mahabubnagar district.