Differently-abled educators challenge election duty rules

The ongoing election preparations in Rajasthan have raised concerns as visually impaired government employees are being assigned election duties nearly 45 to 50 kilometres away, contrary to regulations. This issue involves four assistant professors at Rajasthan University, who have repeatedly written to the department seeking relief from election duties. Despite their efforts, they haven’t been exempted from duty or assigned to a closer location, adding to the challenges faced by differently-abled individuals. The dispute seems linked to previous conflicts involving Neelima, an Additional District Magistrate (ADDM), and university teachers.
The daily commute of 45 kilometres to Chomu Vidhan Sabha has become challenging for visually impaired Assistant Professor Vishal Vikram Singh, despite his duties being assigned there after obtaining a disability certificate. The lack of facilities at the workplace is adding to the difficulties faced by these teachers. Vishal Vikram Singh and his three colleagues have written a letter requesting their duties to be relieved.
This states that according to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, physically disabled individuals should not be assigned election duties. The law should consider those with visual or hearing impairments among physically disabled individuals. A person with a disability can voluntarily perform election duties at a polling or counting centre. If someone is not in a position to perform election duty, they should be exempted under the satisfaction of the District Election Officer.
Additionally, the 9th point of the order issued by the Election Commission of India on June 7, 2023, explicitly states that duties should not be imposed on persons with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. If, despite this, they are assigned duty, full facilities and assistance should be provided. Surprisingly, these teachers were assigned election duties again.
Praveen Gupta, Chief Electoral Officer, Rajasthan, said, “Many differently-abled individuals are on election duty. If they need to be relieved from duty, they can request it. I haven’t received any email or letter regarding this matter. This issue is related to the district election. I will discuss this with the collector.”