Saksham App: Accessible Elections for PWDs"

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In India, the Election Commission is taking a commendable stride towards inclusive elections with the Saksham app.
This innovative mobile application bridges the gap for people with disabilities (PwDs) by simplifying voter registration, polling booth navigation, and the overall voting experience.

For PwDs, navigating the electoral process can often present hurdles. Challenges like difficulty accessing registration facilities, limited information on accessible polling stations, and anxieties around voting independence can discourage participation.
The Saksham app tackles these concerns head-on, empowering PwDs to exercise their democratic right with ease.

The Saksham app caters to various disabilities, offering features that enhance usability and accessibility:
- Voice Assistance: A boon for visually impaired voters, the app provides voice guidance, making it easier to navigate the app’s functionalities.
- Text-to-Speech: For voters with hearing impairments, text-to-speech functionality converts on-screen text into audio, ensuring clear communication.
- Accessibility Features: The app prioritizes inclusivity with features like large fonts and high-contrast color schemes, catering to users with visual limitations.

The app streamlines the voter registration process for PwDs. Both new and registered voters can submit essential details through the app.
New voters provide basic information like name, address, and mobile number, along with their state, district, and assembly constituency.
Existing voters can simply enter their EPIC number, found on their voter ID card.
Following this, a designated booth-level officer visits the PwD applicant at home to complete the formalities and ensure a smooth registration process.
The Saksham app doesn’t stop there. It empowers PwDs to locate their designated polling stations, ensuring they arrive at the correct location for voting. Additionally, the app provides crucial information regarding accessibility features available at each polling station.
This empowers voters to plan their visit and vote with confidence.

The Saksham app goes beyond facilitating registration and navigation.
It empowers PwDs by offering a platform to voice concerns. The app includes a dedicated complaint section where users can report any issues faced during the electoral process.
This feedback mechanism allows election authorities to address challenges and continuously improve accessibility measures.

The Saksham app is a significant step towards ensuring inclusive elections in India.
By offering features that cater to various disabilities, it empowers PwDs to actively participate in the democratic process.
The user-friendly interface, streamlined registration process, and accessibility features contribute to a more inclusive voting experience.

The Saksham app serves as a model for other countries to emulate. As India continues to refine and promote this initiative, it paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant democracy where every voice is heard and every vote counts.
By embracing technological solutions like the Saksham app, we can ensure that the right to vote is truly accessible to all.