Election Model Code of Conduct : Electors With Disability
Date : 24th January 2017

The Election Commission of lndia (ECl) vide Press NotesNo.ECllPNlll20l7 & No. ECI/PN1212017 dated 0410112017has announced 2(two) phases of Poll Schedule for the General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly and with the announcement of Election Schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect w.e.f. 4th January, 2017 and applies to the whole of Manipur State and applicable to all candidates, political parties, the State and Union Government as far as Manipur State is concerned.

A. FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED TO ELECTORS WITH DISABILITY:

The Hon'ble Supreme Court in its order dated 5.10.2007 in the WP(Civil) No. 187 of 2004 - Disabled Rights Group Vs. The Chief Election Commissioner & Anr. directed that facilities for ramps at polling stations be provided to differently abled electors. New EVMs (post 2006) containing Braille numerals by the side of the ballot buttons have been introduced to assist the visually challenged. One of the directions in the order was that the facilities made available for the disabled electors may be given wide publicity over the electronic media and the Press to make them aware of these facilities so as to encourage such electors to exercise their franchise.

The Commission has directed vide its letter No.576/3/ECl/ LET/FUNC/ JUD/SDRNollll2017 dated 19.1.2017 CEO, Manipur to ensure the following measures at the current General Elections Manipur:

o The personnel at the polling station must ensure that differently abled electors are given priority for entering the polling stations, without having to wait in the queue for other electors and all necessary assistance as may be required, should be provided to them at the polling station.

o Full facility should be provided for such electors to take their wheel-chairs inside the polling stations. In the polling stations where permanent ramps have not been provided, temporary ramps should be provided for the purpose.

o The poling personnel should be specifically briefed about the provisions of Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which provides for permitting a companion to accompany a blind/infirm elector to assist himiher to cast the vote, if he/she so wishes.

o At the training classes for the polling personnel, they should be sensitized about the special needs of the differently abled electors, for courteous behaviour towards them and for providing necessary support to them at the polling stations.

o Electors with speech and hearing impairment should also be given special care as is done in the case of other differently abled persons.

B. ASSURED MTNTMUM FACTLTT|ES (AMF):

Election Commission of lndia requires all Polling Stations to be provided facilities of Toilets, Ramps & Electricity under AMF at all polling stations in the State, There are2794 Polling Stations in the State at2219 locations. Out of these,,631 Polling Stations (at 550 locations) were without toilets, 1706 Polling Stations (at 1336 locations) were without ramps and 1806 Polling Stations (at 1492 locations) were without electricity.

In order to ensure 100% availability AMF facilities at all Polling Station locations where these facilities are deficient, the State Level Co-ordination meetings held on 2nd & 16th January 2017 have requested the Finance Department to allocate additional budget directly to following implementing agencies:

(i). PHED for construction of two toilets (@Rs. 24,000 i.e. Rs. 12,000 per toilet) at each of 550 Polling station locations (covering 631 Polling stations) amounting to Rs.1 .32 crore:

(ii). Power DepartmenU MSPDCL for electrification of 580 polling station locations (@Rs. 2053 per location) amounting to Rs, 11,90,740l- and Provision of 1 KVA Generator at 108 Polling station location where Power Department has failed to provide grid (@ Rs.15,000 per location) amounting to Rs. 16.20 lakh.

(iii). DC/DEOs for construction of ramps at 657 Polling station locations (@Rs.12,000 per location) amounting to Rs.78.84.lakh because allocation of funds to RD/Hill &TD/MAHUD shall not be feasible due to paucity of time as all ramps are to be completed before notification of Elections on7.2.2017.

Because of recent shifting of 54 polling stations involving 44 buildings with the approval of the Election Commission, AMF status is being assessed and worked out separately.

C. CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL VOTERS DAY.2017:

Like other states in the country, the 7th National Voters Day will be celebrated in Manipur also. lt will be celebrated at State Level by CEO's office, at each District HQs by the DEOs and at all offices of respective EROs, Asstt. EROs and at Booth Level by the BLOs. Altogether newly printed 1,21,464 PVC EPICS will be distributed to newly enrolled electors during the occasion tomorrow.

The State Level Function will be organized at City Convention Centre, Palace Gate, lmphal at 10.00 AM. Main attraction of the function is launching of a voter facilitation app., prized distribution of drawing and painting competitions, felicitation of State lcons. Those who attend the function can participate in lucky draw by giving their EPIC number to win exciting prizes. Prize winners & State Level drawing & painting competition are invited to attend alongwith their parents.

(Vivek Kumar Dewangan)
Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur