Kupwarasets up gender & disability-friendly polling stations

Kupwara, May 19: In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and catering to diverse voter needs, the District Election Office in Kupwara has established 24 special polling stations across its six assembly segments. These polling stations are designed to ensure that every eligible voter can conveniently exercise their fundamental right to vote.
The special polling stations have been created to support voters with disabilities, elderly citizens, women, and youth, offering tailored services to each group. Kupwara, part of the 1-Baramulla parliamentary constituency, will go to the polls on May 20.
The District Election Office has designated Pink, Blue, Red, and Green Polling Stations at various locations across the district’s six assembly segments. This initiative underscores the district administration’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
The 24 special polling stations include six Pink Polling Stations, exclusively managed by women, located at 30-Kandi Payeen, 52-Trehgam F, 75-Kupwara, 75-Sogam G, 94-Handwara A, and 34-Chotipora. Youth-manned Blue Polling Stations have been set up at 25-Tangdar C, 44-Hiri Payeen, 76-Kupwara-A, 14-Dooniwari, 114-Machipora, and 57-Langate-D.
Red Polling Stations, managed by persons with disabilities (PwD), are established at 39-Gundishat, 71-Gushi-A, 77-Kupwara-D, 16-Surigam-B, 90-Gorihakar, and 39-Kargama.
The six Green Polling Stations, aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and community involvement under the SVEEP program, are located at 25-Tangdar, 44-Hiri Payeen, 76-Kupwara-A, 14-Dooniwari, 114-Machipora, and 57-Langate-D. These stations highlight the district administration’s commitment to promoting voter awareness and participation while addressing environmental challenges through extensive plantation drives.
District Election Officer Ayushi Sudan stated that all these polling stations are equipped with improved amenities to better serve the diverse voter groups. She expressed optimism that these initiatives will boost voter turnout on May 20. “With extensive preparations and new initiatives in place, we are hopeful for the highest voter turnout in the district’s history,” Sudan added.
This initiative by the Kupwara District Election Office not only facilitates a smoother voting process for all but also sets a precedent for other districts to follow, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.