Women-Centric Polling Stations add exemplary inclusivity to Assembly Election in Kishtwar

KISHTWAR, SEPTEMBER 13: In India, democracy is a celebration of collective voice, where every vote counts, and every citizen plays a pivotal role in shaping the future. At the heart of this process lies the indispensable contribution of women, whose participation is a key to the democratic ethos.

Recognizing the significance of this, the District Administration Kishtwar on the directions of CEO J&K has taken concrete steps to ensure that women’s involvement in the electoral process is enhanced, dignified, and empowered.

This journey towards electoral inclusivity began during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with the establishment of women-centric polling stations across the district’s three Assembly constituencies: 48-Inderwal, 49-Kishtwar, and 50-Paddar Nagseni.

As Kishtwar gears up for the ongoing 2024 Assembly Elections, this progressive initiative has continued, with three polling stations in each Assembly Constituency fully managed by women. This includes not only polling staff but also female polling agents, police officers, and personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for women voters.

To foster women’s participation and make the election process more accessible and comfortable for female voters, women-centric polling stations have been established at key locations across all three constituencies.

These stations are strategically chosen to be easily accessible to women and have all the necessary amenities to facilitate a smooth voting experience.

In the 48-Inderwal Assembly Constituency, the designated women-centric polling station is located at 86-MS Mughal Maidan. Similarly, in the 49-Kishtwar Constituency, the polling station at 93-Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School has been designated as women-centric, while 07-Sangrambhaata serves this purpose in the 50-Paddar Nagseni Assembly Constituency.

The women-centric polling station at Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School is particularly notable for having 944 female voters out of the total 945 registered voters.

This overwhelmingly female electorate highlights the crucial role that women play in shaping the political landscape of Kishtwar.

To ensure the smooth functioning of these women-centric polling stations, the District Election Officer Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan has taken proactive measures. From appointing dedicated Women Nodal Officers to deploying women-centric security personnel, the administration has left no stone unturned in its commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and empowering voting environment for women.

The nodal officer overseeing these polling stations, Chandan Manhas has been diligently working to ensure that all facilities and arrangements are in place. The provision of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs), including Creche facility, separate waiting areas, drinking water, toilets, and seating arrangements, is designed to make the voting process as convenient as possible for women voters.

Additionally, the presence of female police officers and CAPF staff enhances security and builds trust among female voters, encouraging them to come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right.

The establishment of these women-centric polling stations is not just about making elections more accessible; it is a significant step toward the larger goal of democratic empowerment. By providing a dedicated space where women can vote without hesitation, the administration is sending a powerful message, that the participation of women in the electoral process is essential to the health and vibrancy of our democracy.

The establishment of women-centric polling stations in the 48-Inderwal, 49-Kishtwar, and 50-Paddar Nagseni Assembly Constituencies is a significant step toward ensuring that women’s voices are heard in Kishtwar’s democratic process. As women continue to turn out in large numbers to vote, it is clear that initiatives like these are not only empowering women but also strengthening the democratic fabric of the district and a great encouragement to the women section of society.