Summary:
In Pune, the PwD count stands at 16,000.Singit said the election officials have already roped in a NGO for the benefit of PwD voters. The service would be free for the PwD voters and the cost would be borne by the ECI, which would tie-up with NGOs as well as autorickshaw and taxi drivers. “While it is a completely voluntary service, the person has to register if s/he wants to avail of the service,” the officials said. “There could be many migrant workers with disabilities who may have moved to the city after January,” he said.There were 37,324 visually impaired and 18,022 physically challenged voters in the state till January 31. However, to turn the exercise into a fruitful initiative, the election officials should find volunteers on time, experts said.Disability rights activist Nilesh Singit told TOI while the application will benefit PwDs, the administration should have clear options in place for the beneficiaries..