In response to the letter issued by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to the State Election Commission, Nagaland, to ensure accessibility to Electors with Disabilities on Voting Day of the elections to Urban Local Bodies, the SEC has instructed Returning Officers to implement the following to facilitate voters under this category as per 57 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules 2023.

1. For blind and infirm Electors, the Presiding Officer will permit the Elector to take with him/her a companion of not less than 18 years of age to the voting compartment for recording vote on the Ballot Paper on his/her behalf and in accordance with his/her wishes, and if necessary, for folding the Ballot Paper so as to conceal the vote and inserting it into the Ballot Box. Other provisions as contained in the Rule thereof shall also be taken into consideration for necessary action.
2. For Electors who are Persons with Disabilities, senior Electors of 75 years of age and above, the assistance of the person may be taken to facilitate their movement and entry into the Polling Station.
3. The admission of Electors (Persons) with Disabilities, senior Electors, women Electors with babies into the Polling Station shall be given preference and precedence over other Voters in the queue.
4. Ramp facilities in the Polling Station, wherever available and applicable, for Electors on wheelchair should be used for their movement.
5. Where required and feasible, the RO may tie up with the concerned Offices of the Social Welfare Department/Directorate for temporary provisioning of wheelchairs for Electors who may need such facility at the Polling Station.
6. The Polling Personnel and the Security Personnel may be sensitized on the need to show special empathy and care to the needs of the Voters with Disabilities and other Electors as mentioned above.

Read more: Ensure accessibility in the ULB elections: SCPD Nagaland writes to SEC