Lok Sabha Poll: Thane to have maximum number of all-women, disabled friendly polling booths

In a press meet here on Saturday Mr. Narvekar, said the lok sabha election in three districts namely Thane, Kalyan and Bhiwandi will be held on April 29.

He said that as per the directions from the EC there will be at least one women and one handicapped polling booth in each of the 18 assembly segments he said. We are trying to increase the number of these booths and the entire staff in the booth including the officials will be women and handicapped.

He also said that this time there will be three queue at the polling booth which will include women, handicapped and seniors and pregnant women besides one for general he said.

Narvekar also said that the district had sufficient of staff for the smooth conduct of polls and the EVMs and the VVPATs. He said that in order to build confidence among the poll staff hands on training will be taken on the handling of VVPATs.

He said that the election machinery would ensure proper planning and co-ordination with the different agencies for the smooth and tension free conduct of polls.

There have been certain cases of violation of poll code and so far action has been taken in 4 cases of defacement and 52 cases of banners and posters.

The all women booths called as Sakhi booths will be well equipped and safe for operations and the process of identifying them is underway he said.

The assured minimum facilities are being provided in the booths and in addition to this medical kits and crèche would also be provided and this was being personally monitored by the Divisional Commissioner he said.

The collector also said that till now a total of 84,000 liters of liquor have been seized in addition to 32 illegal arms, both in city and rural areas.