Attention Mumbaikars: BMC to set up over 10,000 polling stations for civic elections
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish over 10,200 polling stations across Mumbai to facilitate smooth and accessible voting in the upcoming civic elections. The arrangements aim to ensure voter convenience, transparency, and safety, with special facilities for senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities.
New Delhi: As civic polls approach, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is setting up 10,231 polling stations across the city to cater to its 10.3 million voters. According to Municipal Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani, the polling stations have been planned keeping voter accessibility in mind. Factors such as ward-wise population, number of voters, and geographical conditions were taken into consideration.
Reports say the civic body has published the final ward-wise list of polling stations for all 227 wards, in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the State Election Commission. Preparations have been made to ensure transparency and to provide voters with a safe, convenient, and hassle-free voting experience. To avoid confusion, Gagrani advised voters to cross-check their respective polling stations in advance.
BMC to set up Voter Assistance Centres
The 10,231 polling stations are spread across 24 administrative ward offices and include 23 central polling centres. The BMC has made special arrangements to ensure ease of access for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women. Polling stations will be equipped with basic amenities such as electricity, drinking water, toilets, and ramps. Returning Officers have inspected and verified these facilities, the civic body said.
Voter Assistance Centres will be set up to help voters find their names on the electoral list. In addition, information boards will be installed for further assistance. The BMC also clarified the locations for polling. Around 4,386 polling stations are expected to operate from government and semi-government buildings.
Polling stations to be set up at housing societies
While 2,387 polling stations will be located in enclosed premises, 880 in semi-enclosed premises, and 1,119 in open spaces, another 702 polling stations will be set up in cooperative housing societies. The remaining 5,143 polling stations will function from private buildings across the city.
An official said the wide distribution of polling stations across multiple premises aims to maximise accessibility and ensure that voting is conducted smoothly, safely, and efficiently across Mumbai.