Tamil Nadu Disability Rights Group Seeks Election Duty Exemption for PwDs
In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC) has formally urged the district election officer and collector in Madurai to exempt persons with disabilities (PwDs) from election duty. This request is based on the provisions outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which aims to protect and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities across India.
Immediate Action and Withdrawal of Notices Requested
In a representation submitted on Tuesday, TARATDAC called for immediate action on pending applications for exemptions. The association emphasized that these exemptions should be granted without any unnecessary delay to ensure compliance with legal standards. Additionally, TARATDAC requested the withdrawal of notices that were issued to PwDs who were unable to attend mandatory election training sessions due to physical challenges.
N Madhibharathi, the district president of TARATDAC, highlighted that according to Election Commission of India norms, government employees and teachers with disabilities are eligible for exemption from poll duty. He stated, "Applications for election duty were compulsorily obtained from every disabled government employee and teacher, which is contrary to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016."
Allegations of Non-Compliance and Hardships Faced
Madhibharathi further alleged that "orders for election duty were issued to more than 90% of persons with disabilities, and the first training session has already been completed." This has led to many PwDs attending the training under difficult circumstances, only to later reapply for exemption at the training centers. The situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when their legal rights are not fully upheld in electoral processes.
The association's plea aims to address these issues promptly, ensuring that PwDs are not subjected to undue hardships during election periods. By invoking the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, TARATDAC seeks to reinforce the legal protections afforded to this community and promote a more inclusive and accessible electoral system in Tamil Nadu.
