Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: BMC launches initiatives to boost turnout

As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 approach the state government alongside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has swiftly ramped up preparations to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly The authorities are looking to increase the voter turnout on November 20 and have appealed to every eligible voter in Mumbai to exercise their democratic rightIn a press release issued on Friday BMC said that Bhushan Gagrani the District Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner has overseen extensive preparations to ensure that the process runs seamlessly The administration is working hard to ensure voters face no obstacles on election day with efforts to improve facilities and raise awareness about the importance of voting the release statedAs historically Mumbai has experienced lower voter turnout compared to other parts of the state the Election Commission of India has directed the BMC and the administrations of Mumbai City and Suburban districts to implement innovative measures to boost voter participation These include rationalisation of polling stations the establishment of facilities within residential societies and the provision of assured minimum facilities at polling boothsA key initiative in the voter engagement campaign is the lsquoKnow Your Polling Stationrsquo drive This campaign is designed to help voters easily locate their polling stations with Booth Level Officers BLOs visiting homes to inform residents about any changes Voters are also being provided with QR quick response codebased letters for easy navigationAdditionally students have been encouraged to hand out Sankalp Patra pledge forms to their parents urging them to vote Celebrities and political representatives have also joined in spreading awareness through video messages and social media outreachIn past elections Mumbai saw significant challenges in voter participation due to factors such as long queues remote polling stations and inadequate facilities The administration has taken a thorough approach to address these issues For example polling stations have been rationalised and the total number of stations has been increased from 9893 to 10112 Each polling station is now expected to cater to an average of 12001300 votersTo ensure that voters in highrise buildings do not face any inconvenience 701 polling stations have been set up within or near residential societies Additionally a colourcoding system will be used at locations with multiple polling stations to prevent confusionAssured Minimum FacilitiesThis election the administration is committed to providing Assured Minimum Facilities AMF at every polling station These include access to drinking water wheelchairs for PwD voters clean waiting areas fans proper lighting and hygienic facilities For areas with multiple stations clear signage and a colourcoding system will help voters navigate easilySpecial attention has been given to PwD voters There are 23927 PwD voters in Mumbai and extensive measures have been taken to ensure their ease of access to polling stations A total of 997 vehicles including buses and accessible vans have been arranged to transport PwD voters to their respective stations In addition 2085 wheelchairs and 2549 volunteers known as Divyang Mitras will assist PwD voters at polling stationsSVEEP initiativeTo ensure maximum voter awareness the BMC has launched an extensive outreach campaign under the SVEEP Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation initiative Various activities such as street plays cycle rallies and flash mobs are being organised to directly engage citizens Over 50 celebrities from different fields have joined the ldquoVote Kar Mumbaikarrdquo campaign appealing to the public to participate in the democratic processPublic awareness materials including posters banners and hoardings have been placed in hightraffic areas such as historical sites crowded markets and public offices across Mumbai Special initiatives have been launched to engage school children and local communities in the voting processDiscounts for votersIn an effort to further encourage voter participation several private organisations and businesses across Mumbai have announced discounts for voters Retailers restaurants cinema halls and other service providers are offering discounts on products food and tickets for those who show their inked finger as proof of voting This initiative led by groups such as the Maharashtra Retailers Association and the Ahaar Association is valid from November 20 to 22The Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 will take place between 7 am and 6 pm on Wednesday The administration has urged all eligible voters to cast their ballots and strengthen the democratic process In addition to providing better facilities measures have been taken to ensure that no voter is deterred by external factors such as travel or adverse weather conditionsWith these extensive arrangements in place the authorities are hopeful that voter turnout will significantly improve this time