Jamshedpur: In a significant step towards ensuring inclusive and participatory democracy, the East Singhbhum district administration has made special arrangements to enable senior citizens above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities (PwDs) to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes in the upcoming Ghatshila Assembly By-Election 2025. The initiative is being implemented as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to facilitate convenient and barrier-free voting for all eligible citizens.
District Election Officer (DEO) Karn Satyarthi said that this arrangement is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to make the electoral process accessible, transparent, and participatory for every voter, especially those who face physical challenges in reaching polling stations. Under the home voting facility, polling teams visit the residences of identified voters to collect their votes using postal ballots, ensuring complete secrecy and security of the process.
According to the data compiled by the district administration, all eligible senior citizens aged 85 years and above, as well as persons with disabilities certified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, have been identified through an extensive field survey conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The identified voters were given the option to apply for home voting by filling Form 12D. Once the forms were submitted, the Returning Officer (RO) verified the details and scheduled the home voting visits accordingly.
The DEO informed that specially trained polling teams have been constituted to carry out home voting across the constituency. Each team consists of polling officers, a videographer, and security personnel to ensure that the process is fair, transparent, and adheres strictly to election protocols. These teams carry all necessary election materials, including indelible ink, ballot papers, and secrecy envelopes, and record the entire process on video to maintain accountability.
To prevent any undue influence, candidates and their representatives are informed in advance about the home voting schedule, and they are permitted to remain present during the process, ensuring transparency. The collected postal ballots are securely sealed and deposited in the designated strong room under the supervision of the Returning Officer.
Special awareness drives have also been launched to inform eligible voters about the home voting facility. The Election Office has issued instructions to BLOs to personally reach out to elderly and disabled voters, assist them in completing the required formalities, and ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.
District Election Officer Satyarthi stated, “The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is our duty to ensure that every citizen, regardless of age or physical limitation, can exercise this right freely and conveniently. The home voting initiative reaffirms our commitment to inclusive elections and equal participation.”
In addition to home voting, the Election Commission has ensured that all polling stations are fully accessible, with ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteers available to assist persons with disabilities. Transportation assistance is also being provided where necessary.
