Special Polling Stations witness remarkable turnout

Srinagar, May 20:Special polling stations in the BaramullaLokSabha parliamentary constituency witnessed a significant turnout, with a notable participation of female voters in the election process. These unique polling stations, including Pink Polling Stations for women, Green Polling Stations, and Red Polling Stations for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), garnered considerable attention.
Female voters expressed satisfaction with the Pink Polling Stations, exclusively staffed by women, as part of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Election Officer Kupwara, commended the positive response to these special polling stations, emphasizing their role in providing inclusive voting opportunities.
The Pink Polling Stations, established in each assembly segment, saw a higher turnout of female voters compared to male voters. First-time voter Sumiya Tariq, 20, expressed her happiness voting at the Pink Polling Station in Chotipora, appreciating the female-only staff. AabidaBano, 32, who voted at the Pink Polling Station in Handwara, praised the facilities provided for women and expressed hope for more government schemes for women after the new administration takes office on June 4.
For the first time, Red Polling Stations were introduced to cater to PWDs, providing an inclusive environment and employing staff with disabilities. Handwara’s Red Polling Station saw several disabled voters casting their votes, managed by employees with disabilities.
Basic amenities, including water, electricity, toilets, ramps, verandas, and waiting rooms, were provided at all polling stations. Wheelchairs and volunteers were also available to assist voters. In total, 24 special polling stations were set up, including six Pink Polling Stations.
A female voter at another Pink Polling Station highlighted her vote for development and reduction of electricity tariff bills, expressing hope that the elected candidate would address the issues caused by the installation of smart meters, which have burdened daily laborers with high costs.