Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI – The State Steering Committee on Accessible Elections met under the chairpersonship of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to review past initiatives and plan measures to ensure inclusive, accessible, and participative elections in Goa. The meeting also included a briefing on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The CEO highlighted the theme “Accessible Elections”, stressing the need to guarantee that every eligible voter — including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, and marginalized groups — can participate in the electoral process with dignity and ease.
Shri Sudesh Gaude, Assistant Professor at IPIIB and Nodal Officer for Accessible Elections, gave an overview of PwD participation during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, and detailed the steps taken by the CEO’s office to strengthen inclusivity.
Among the measures discussed were the identification and tagging of PwD voters, improved accessibility infrastructure at polling stations such as ramps, PwD toilets, wheelchairs, and Braille-enabled facilities, as well as training and sensitization of polling personnel. The dissemination of voter awareness materials in accessible formats and inter-departmental coordination among Social Welfare, Education, PWD, and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities departments were also emphasized.
The CEO informed that the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls, with January 1, 2026 as the qualifying date, aims to ensure that electoral rolls remain accurate and inclusive. Booth Level Officers have been instructed to conduct house-to-house verification and assist voters, particularly PwDs and senior citizens.
The CEO urged all stakeholders to support the revision exercise and voter enrolment awareness campaigns to strengthen Goa’s commitment to accessible and inclusive democracy.
