Pune: Divisional Commissioner Inspects Polling Stations for Disabled and Senior Citizens

Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 6th March 2024: In adherence to the directives of the Election Commission of India, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar conducted a comprehensive inspection of various polling stations across Pune. The focus of the visit was to assess the facilities available for disabled and senior citizens during the electoral process.

Dr. Pulkundwar engaged in discussions with polling station officials, emphasizing the need for enhanced facilities catering to the special requirements of disabled and senior citizens. Key recommendations included the placement of directional boards, well-maintained ramps, provision of wheelchairs, restrooms, drinking water facilities, toilets, and first aid boxes. Additionally, the Commissioner underscored the importance of locating polling stations on the ground floor and providing designated parking lots for disabled and senior citizens.

Addressing the concerns of long queues, Dr. Pulkundwar suggested the implementation of a separate system that allows disabled and senior citizens to cast their votes without standing in lines.

The inspection covered prominent locations such as Bharat English School, COEP Shivajinagar, and Vidya Bhavan Junior College in Model Colony under Pune Lok Sabha Constituency 209-Shivajinagar Assembly Constituency. Furthermore, visits were made to Sant Gadgemaharaj Vidyalaya in Koregaon Park, Agarkar Girls School in Somwar Peth, and Janata Vidyalaya in Tadiwala, falling under 214-Pune Cantonment Assembly Constituency. Under 215-Kasba Peth Assembly Constituency, SNDT Girls’ School in Narayan Peth, Sheth Hiralal Saraf High School in Budhwar Peth, and Pune Municipal Corporation School No. 7 were also inspected.

The inspection team included Divisional Deputy Commissioner Ramchandra Shinde, Pune Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Nandkar, Sub-Divisional Officer Siddharth Bhandare, among others.