(With inputs from agencies)

NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh will become the first state in India to hold disabled-friendly elections after the Election Commission (EC) announced the appointment of "Sugam Election Accessibility Observers" who will ensure that poll booths are accessible for specially-abled people. The state is due to witness assembly elections later this year.OP Rawat, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), after surveying the poll-bound state said that the commission along the lines of the theme of accessible elections will appoint accessibility observers so that the contribution of people with disabilities can be ensured in the state elections.EC intends to set-up similar disabled-friendly polling stations in other three states namely, Madhya Pradesh , Rajasthan and Mizoram, that will be going to polls in the near future.Earlier, Rawat explaining EC's plans had said that special provisions will be made for wheelchair-bound voters and senior citizens."All polling premises will have sturdy ramps (which wheelchair-bound voters can use). A database of disabled voters is being created and such electors would be enrolled and their list shall be provided to booth-level officers so that they can be given special assistance," Rawat had said.In order to ensure that any discrepancies at the polling stations can be reported at the earliest possible, the EC also intends to introduce a mobile application that can be used by voters.'Citizen Vigilance App', introduced in Bengaluru on a pilot basis, will be operationalised for upcoming polls to ensure free and fair election."Anybody can report a violation of model code of conduct or a corrupt electoral practice by a candidate by uploading a video clip of the act through the mobile app," CEC said in an earlier briefing.Complaints received through the app will be attended promptly, the CEC had assured.