Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Varinder Kumar Sharma today said that district administration would make special arrangements to facilitate the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) voters at the polling booths across the district.Addressing the gathering during a district level painting, rangoli and declamation competition organized by the district administration with support of Field Outreach Bureau of Government of India under Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program at the local DAV College, the Deputy Commissioner said that there were around 7000 PWD voters across the district. He said that the district administration would ensure provision of wheelchairs, ramps, helpers and others at all the 1863 booths during the polling day on May 19. Mr. Sharma said that the matter was under the active consideration of the district administration and every effort would be made to ensure that PWD voters were able to cast their votes in a hassle free manner.Underscoring the need for active participation of the youngsters in democratic process, the Deputy Commissioner said that it was only possible if the youth exercise their franchise freely.
He said that all out efforts need to be made for sensitizing the youngsters between age group of 18-21 years about the need to cast their vote and become active partners in decision making process of the country. Mr. Sharma said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that due to the vision of our forefathers every adult of 18 years and above has got the right to exercise his franchise in our country.Citing the examples of few countries, the Deputy Commissioner said that in many countries this principle of Adult Suffrage was not applicable to everybody and people from various strata of society were not able to cast their vote. However, he said that in India people overwhelmingly exercise their right to vote for ensuring the smooth transition of power from one hand to others in a fair and peaceful manner. Mr. Sharma said that as India was a youthful nation with a sizeable chunk of its population above the age of 18 years it was need of the hour to ensure that every youth registers himself as voter so that a new and progressive India could be carved out.Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jasbir Singh, Principal DAV College Dr. Rajesh Arora, SVEEP Coordinator Mr. Surjit Lal, Field Publicity Officer Mr. Rajesh Baali and others.