Chandigarh, January 25 – The Election Commission of India has awarded the Chief Electoral Office Punjab with the National Award ‘Best CEO for Accessible Elections’ for making elaborate arrangements to facilitate the Persons With Disabilities (Divyang) voters, old and Infirm, Pregnant women voters etc during General Elections to the parliament 2019.
The President of India Sh Ram Nath Kovind conferred this coveted National award upon the Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Dr. S Karuna Raju here today during National Voter’s Day function held at Zoravar Auditorium at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
On having received the award, Dr. S. Karuna Raju said that this honour belongs to voters and all Electoral stake holders of Punjab and was the result of Administrative Support of Chief Secratary of Punjab and constructive support of Principal Secretary Finance and commendable arrangements made during the elections in collaboration with the departments of Rural Development and Panchayats, Health & family Welfare and Social Security. He said that exemplary arrangements were put in place as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India for the facilitation of Divyang voters in elections. Punjab Election machinery made concerted efforts with Special Focus on Accessibility. State engaged persons with Dis abilities with the help of Mobile app with sign language specially made for them and free transportation by pressing in Mini vans, Battery Run Vehicles, and Auto rickshaws etc, volunteers were also placed at all Polling booths numbering 23214 Spread across 13 Parliamentary Constituencies. Thus making all efforts to make voting a happy and satisfying experience for all categories of voters.
Dr. Raju further said that the credit of award goes to the hard work and stupendous efforts of Additional CEO Mrs Kavita Singh, Additional CEO Mr. Sibin C, Additional CEO Gurpal Singh Chahal, Additional CEO Bhupinder Singh, all Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to translate the vision of ECI into reality.
