Saksham App: Revolutionizing Electoral Access for Disabilities

Saksham App: Revolutionizing Electoral Access for Disabilities

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the Saksham app, a pioneering mobile application aimed at streamlining voter registration and electoral services specifically tailored for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). This initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and enhancing the democratic participation of PwDs.

Key Features of the Saksham App

1. New Voter Registration: PwDs can seamlessly register as new voters by furnishing essential details such as personal information and constituency details through the user-friendly interface of the app.
2. Existing Voter Services: Registered voters can effortlessly avail electoral services by providing their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number for swift processing.
3. Home Visit by Booth-Level Officer: Upon submission of registration or service requests, a designated booth-level officer conducts a home visit to facilitate necessary formalities, ensuring convenience for PwDs.
4. Accessibility Features: The app incorporates innovative accessibility features including voice assistance, text-to-speech functionality, large fonts, and high-contrast colors, catering to the diverse needs of PwDs.
5. Polling Station Information: Users gain access to comprehensive information regarding polling stations, including location, accessibility features, and contact details of polling officials, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
6. Complaint Filing: PwDs can promptly lodge complaints pertaining to any electoral grievances encountered, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
7. Wheelchair and Transportation Services: The app facilitates requests for wheelchair assistance and transportation services on the election day, further enhancing accessibility and participation.

Additional Features and Benefits

1. Easy Navigation: The Saksham app boasts user-friendly navigation, ensuring seamless exploration of its myriad features and services.
2. Multiple Languages Support: Catering to India's linguistic diversity, the app supports multiple languages, thereby eliminating language barriers and ensuring widespread accessibility.
3. Voter Education: The app serves as an invaluable resource for voter education, disseminating crucial information regarding the significance of voting, the electoral process, and voter rights and responsibilities.
4. Candidate Information: Users gain access to pertinent information about candidates contesting in their constituency, empowering them to make informed electoral choices.
5. Tracking and Notifications: The app facilitates real-time tracking of service requests and delivers timely notifications concerning significant updates and deadlines pertinent to the electoral process.

About the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body entrusted with the sacred mandate of conducting free and fair elections across the nation. Established on January 25, 1950, the ECI comprises a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. It oversees elections for various offices including Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and offices of the President and Vice President. Furthermore, the ECI plays a pivotal role in preparing electoral rolls, enforcing the code of conduct, monitoring election expenses, and introducing pioneering initiatives such as the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system and the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, aimed at fostering voter awareness and participation, thereby ensuring a level playing field for all political entities.