Women officers will oversee tasks ranging from mock polls to the submission of election materials
804 women involved in the entire responsibility of an election in the Raipur North Assembly constituency, with an additional 200 in reserve
Raipur, 16 November 2023//
In a historic move for democracy in Chhattisgarh, the Raipur Northern Assembly constituency election will witness an unprecedented all-women administration. This marks the first time in the country’s democratic history that women will shoulder the entire responsibility of an election. The ‘Sangwari booths’, totaling 201, will exclusively feature women officers overseeing tasks ranging from mock polls to the submission of election materials. All roles, including presiding officer and polling officers 1, 2, and 3, will be held by women. A total of 804 women have been directly assigned duties, with an additional 200 in reserve. Mrs. Vimla R., an IAS officer, serves as the observer for the assembly, with her liaison officer also being a woman. Security responsibilities in most booths are also in the hands of women. Notably, Mrs. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, an IAS officer, holds the position of Chief Electoral Officer in Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh, first among the other states in gender equality, showcases women’s active participation alongside men. The Raipur Northern Assembly constituency has a sex ratio of 1010. Notably, women officers will lead all election operations in this constituency on November 17.
At the BTI material distribution site on November 16 in the morning, women entrusted with the responsibility of managing the entire polling station in the Raipur North Assembly constituency election expressed joy after receiving materials. Uma Verma, a teacher at Khamhardih Higher Secondary School, hailed the decision as exemplary and believed it would set a new milestone in the country. She expressed pride, anticipating that female voters tomorrow would feel connected to this historic achievement and emphasising its significance for all women.
Leela Patel, a teacher at Lodhipara Primary School, Arang, expressed delight at the administration’s trust in women for the Raipur North Assembly constituency election. She emphasised the motivation to perform well, stating that when given significant responsibility, individuals work diligently to uphold trust. The enthusiasm among women is high, and they are committed to ensuring a smooth voting process tomorrow.
Nisha Ramteke highlighted a positive shift in the election process and shared that in the past, single male or female officers were common in polling stations. Now, with an all-women team in the Raipur North Assembly constituency, including herself, Nisha sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate that women officers can adeptly manage significant responsibilities like elections without male counterparts. She sees it as a groundbreaking example that resonates beyond Chhattisgarh, setting a precedent across the country.
Collector and District Election Officer Dr. Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure shared the inspiration behind entrusting the entire responsibility of the Raipur North Assembly constituency election to women. Recognising the potential, the idea gained unanimous approval and was swiftly implemented. Witnessing the polling teams’ enthusiasm on November 16 in the morning as they departed for their destination centres was a gratifying experience. The women officers expressed their pride in being part of a historic event, emphasising the significance of an all-women team independently shouldering such a crucial responsibility, marking a milestone in the democratic process of the district.
