Pune: Foot massagers, women only polling stations and thousands of CCTV cameras, see how polling booths are welcoming voters

As elections progress in the biggest democracy on the planet, India and Indians are celebrating this festival of democracy whole heartedly. While electorate come out in large numbers in sun and rain, stand in queues to exercise their right and discharge their responsibility, the officials are not leaving anything to chance to ensure voters get the right environment, safety and comfort to cast their vote.

Here is a glimpse of some aspects of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Pune and nearby areas:

Special Facilities for Voters:

• In Goyegaon, Karmala taluka innovative facilities like selfie points have been created.
• A foot massage machine has been made available for the voters to relieve foot pain after standing in queue for a long time.

Sakhi Polling Station:

A Sakhi polling station has been set up at Wagde in Kankavali taluka, exclusively meant for women voters.
The entire polling station is decorated in pink, and women employees are present to assist and manage the voting process.

CCTV Surveillance and Monitoring

• Webcasting is being conducted through 2,625 cameras in Pune.
• Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase is monitoring the voting process from the Collector’s office to ensure transparency and efficiency.
• Pune Election Returning Officer Kavita Dwivedi is monitoring the voting process for the Lok Sabha constituency from the office at Vidhan Bhavan.

Key Facts About Lok Sabha Elections 2024

• The Indian General Elections are among the largest in the world, involving a massive movement of men and material.
• Approximately 55 lakh Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used to conduct the elections.
• According to official data from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the total number of voters in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be approximately 96.8 crores.
• This election will see 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters in the age group of 20-29 participating, reflecting the enthusiastic engagement of young India in the electoral process.
• The election will involve 96.8 crore registered voters, 10.5 lakh polling stations, 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff, 55 lakh EVMs, and 4 lakh vehicles.
• The Lok Sabha election 2024 will be held for 543 Lok Sabha seats and will be conducted in seven phases.
• Elections will commence on April 19, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.
• This will be the first general election after significant events such as the abolition of Article 370, the construction of the Hindu Temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, and the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be contesting for the prime ministerial post for the third consecutive time in this election.

The 2024 General Elections in India are marked by various initiatives and facts, reflecting the democratic spirit and vibrancy of the electoral process in the country.