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Assam's Dibrugarh Sets Up 300 Women-Led Booths & Riverine Stations for Polls

Dibrugarh district in Assam has completed preparations for the April 9 assembly elections, establishing 1,322 polling stations. A significant initiative includes 300 polling stations entirely managed by women staff, highlighting a push for greater participation. Special logistical arrangements have been made for five riverine booths, where teams will travel via the Brahmaputra River to serve remote voters. The Election Commission has conducted reviews to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and intimidation-free electoral process across the state.

Key Points: Dibrugarh's Women-Led & Riverine Polling Stations for Assam Elections

  • 300 polling stations fully managed by women
  • 5 riverine booths accessible via Brahmaputra River
  • Focus on last-mile connectivity in remote areas
  • Election Commission reviews preparedness for violence-free polls
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Assam: 300 women-led polling stations, riverine booths along Brahmaputra highlight Dibrugarh's inclusive election push

Dibrugarh prepares for Assam polls with 300 all-women polling stations and special riverine booths along the Brahmaputra for inclusive voting on April 9.

"A total of 1,322 polling stations have been set up across the district. - Bikram Kairi"

By Gaurav Arora, Dibrugarh, March 26

Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi on Wednesday stated that all preparations are in place for voting on April 9 across the district's six assembly constituencies here, and the administration has made special logistical arrangements to facilitate smooth access to these booths for the Assam polls scheduled to be held in one phase.

Bikram Kairi stated, "A total of 1,322 polling stations have been set up across the district. Among them, five are located in riverine areas, where polling teams will travel through the Brahmaputra River to ensure that voters in remote locations can cast their votes within their own villages. The administration has made special logistical arrangements to facilitate smooth access to these booths."

In a strong push towards women's empowerment, 300 polling stations will be entirely managed by women staff, marking a significant increase compared to previous elections. Officials say that during training sessions, women personnel showed remarkable enthusiasm, reflecting growing participation and confidence.

With a dual focus on last-mile connectivity in challenging riverine regions and enhancing women-led participation, the district administration aims to ensure a smooth, inclusive and efficient polling process in Dibrugarh.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, with Assam set to go to polls on April 9, the Election Commission of India (ECI) held an online review and training session for District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), SSPs, Commanding Officers (CPs), and other senior state officials to assess poll preparedness.

According to a press note issued by the ECI, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during the review visit of Assam on February 18, had underlined that the elections in Assam shall be conducted in a violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free manner so that every elector can vote without fear or favour in a festive atmosphere.

Senior officers of the Commission reviewed the preparedness of the district administration and law and order machinery for the general elections to the Legislative Assembly of Assam, the press note said.

The senior officers held a detailed review with the DEOs, SPs, and CPs of the state on every aspect of election planning, ensuring AMF at all polling stations, EVM management, logistics, training of election staff, seizures, law and order, voter awareness and outreach activities.

District Election Officers (DEOs) were also directed to ensure distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) to all electors at least 5 days before the day of poll. They were also instructed to ensure that Voter Guides are provided to each household. CEO Assam informed that in addition to these, Braille-enabled VIS will also be issued for the benefit of visually impaired voters, the note said.

Provision of adequate safety equipment and rescue measures was emphasised in view of the numerous riverine polling stations in Assam, the press note added.

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India announced.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good to see such detailed planning. The focus on riverine areas is crucial for Assam. My only concern is the safety of the polling teams traveling on the Brahmaputra. I hope the "adequate safety equipment" mentioned is truly in place and not just on paper. Otherwise, a very inclusive effort.
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Aman W
Logistics in the Brahmaputra region is always a challenge. Sending teams by boat to remote villages is the right thing to do. Every vote counts. Hope other states with similar geographical challenges take note of this model.
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Sarah B
The Braille-enabled Voter Information Slips are a thoughtful touch. True inclusion means considering everyone, including persons with disabilities. This is how we build a stronger democracy.
V
Vikram M
All this preparation sounds great. Now the real test is on polling day. Let's see if it's actually "violence-free and intimidation-free" as the CEC said. That's the most important part for a fair election.
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Nisha Z
As someone from the Northeast, I appreciate this focus on last-mile connectivity. Often, people in remote areas feel disconnected from the mainstream. Efforts like these bridge that gap. More power to the women staff leading the stations! 💪

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