In unique initiative, administration launches video helpline number for speech and hearing-impaired voters

Ludhiana, April 18, 2024: In a bid to reach out to all sections of the society and create voter awareness among them especially specially-abled persons, the district administration took a unique initiative on Thursday and launched a video helpline number 83605-83697 for speech and hearing-impaired voters. 

The speech and hearing-impaired voters can make video call on this number and receive regarding election/voting assistance from the sign language expert. They can interact with the expert to clarify their queries regarding elections, voting or file complaints. 

Starting the helpline number from her office, District Election Officer Sakshi Sawhney said that this facility would prove a great help for the persons who can't hear and speak. She said that these voters were also an integral part of the society and they must become an active partner in the festival of democracy by registering their presence in the voting exercise on June 1. Ludhiana had around 843 speech and hearing-impaired voters in the electoral roll. 

The sign language expert, Santosh Rani, working with the District Red Cross Society, will help the voters interact with the experts to clarify their queries. 

With the help of sign language expert, District Election Officer also motivated a hearing-impaired voter Davinder to vote on June 1.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Major Amit Sareen, District Social Security Officer Varinder Singh Tiwana, and others were also present during the launch of the helpline.