News

Volume 2 Issue 8 - April 15, 2004

CEC agrees to meet DRG representatives

DNIS News Network -- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T.S. Krishnamurthy has agreed to meet with a seven-strong delegation of leaders of the Disability Rights Group on April 5.

DRG first contacted the CEC with is suggestions of how to make polling booths fully accessible on March 4 but until now has been dismayed by the lack of response. The group's Convenor, Javed Abidi, who is standing as an independent candidate to fight for the rights of disabled people, was determined their demands be heard: "They should not underestimate us; if the disabled are denied their rights we may even go to court."

It took direct action by DRG and its supporters to persuade the CEC to consider its demands. They held a dharna outside the CEC office on March 26, and a gherao on April 2. It was only under such continued pressure that the CEC felt the need to consider the requirements of disabled voters.