Dear Sir, As you may be aware, we have already sent you a letter from NCPEDP on 19th March. Sir, I now write to you in my capacity as the Convenor of the Disabled Rights Group (DRG). In the case of DRG Versus Chief Election Commissioner & Anr., Writ Petition (Civil) No. 187 of 2009, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has very clearly and specifically directed you to not only create special facilities for disabled people to exercise their franchise in the elections, with safety and dignity but to also give sufficient publicity regarding these measures. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has clearly stated, “…sufficient publicity should also be given in the print and electronic media about the availability of such facilities so that persons with disabilities are aware of the facilities beforehand and are, thus encouraged to go and exercise their franchise.” Sir, as you are aware, this Order was passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in October, 2007. Sufficient time has elapsed since then and now we are at the doorstep of the General Elections 2009. Thus far, we have not seen a single advertisement either in the print media or on radio or on television. We request you to take urgent steps to remedy the situation. We are not aware if it is the Election Commission, which directly issues/ commissions advertisement and publicity campaigns or is it that on your express direction, the Central Government (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, etc.) and also the State Governments and Union Territory administrations will do the needful. Whatever be the case, this huge opportunity must not be lost. As far as we in the Indian disability sector are concerned, for us it is a huge moment. For us, the General Elections 2009 will be the Nation’s first accessible and disabled friendly elections since India became independent in 1947! The significance of this turn in our democratic history must not be lost. Now, it is upto you to please ensure that disabled voters are not only made aware but are also “encouraged” to go out and vote. With best regards, Javed Abidi Convenor, Disability Rights Group (DRG) 20.03.2009 |
Partners National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People
 Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre
 DRDF Disability Research and Design Foundation |
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Elections 2009 > Javed Abidi writes again to the Chief Election Commissioner |