Coimbatore: Former US President Abraham Lincoln's famous quote, "Government is of the people, by the people, for the people," became a worldwide tenet for any country that vowed by democracy. When such representative governments are replaced every term peacefully through the exercise of the voting franchise, it represents a victory for 'democracy.'
Coimbatore: Former US President Abraham Lincoln's famous quote, "Government is of the people, by the people, for the people," became a worldwide tenet for any country that vowed by democracy. When such representative governments are replaced every term peacefully through the exercise of the voting franchise, it represents a victory for 'democracy.'
The right to vote is an important right conferred by the Indian Constitution, and the duty of every citizen toward his country.
Role of the Election Commission
The duty of the Election Commission (EC) is not merely to ensure free and fair elections but also to ensure 100 percent voting by eligible voters, as every vote counts.
Plight of '108' Emergency workers
Given the focus of the EC on achieving 100 percent voting, as well as the money spent on campaigns, it may come as a surprise to many that one integral section of our society - 'The Emergency workers of 108 ambulances' - which include ambulance drivers, pilots, technicians, call center workers are unable to perform their democratic duty during any election.
Constituting a workforce of about 5000 in Tamil Nadu, with 3000 working in Districts outside their hometown, these emergency workers are a forgotten lot.
"Election day is busier than normal days for the emergency teams, since there are many old people, some of whom are in wheelchairs and need assistance to go to the booth and cast their votes. Sometimes they faint or require other medical attention. This requires us to be available around the clock on extra alert and therefore to take the time off to cast votes is the last thought in our minds", opined a 108 worker in the City.
Government officials, army men and police personnel posted outside their hometowns have been granted the right to exercise their franchise through postal ballot. A similar demand had been made for 108 emergency workers, but thus far the Election Commission has not responded favourably to that legitimate demand.
Rajendran, Secretary of the 108 Emergency Workers Association points out that for the past three elections, their workers have not been able to exercise their rights. He hopes that at least for the upcoming election scheduled on April 18, the dream to exercise one's right to vote would become a reality.
The right to vote is an important right conferred by the Indian Constitution, and the duty of every citizen toward his country.
Role of the Election Commission
The duty of the Election Commission (EC) is not merely to ensure free and fair elections but also to ensure 100 percent voting by eligible voters, as every vote counts.
Plight of '108' Emergency workers
Given the focus of the EC on achieving 100 percent voting, as well as the money spent on campaigns, it may come as a surprise to many that one integral section of our society - 'The Emergency workers of 108 ambulances' - which include ambulance drivers, pilots, technicians, call center workers are unable to perform their democratic duty during any election.
Constituting a workforce of about 5000 in Tamil Nadu, with 3000 working in Districts outside their hometown, these emergency workers are a forgotten lot.
"Election day is busier than normal days for the emergency teams, since there are many old people, some of whom are in wheelchairs and need assistance to go to the booth and cast their votes. Sometimes they faint or require other medical attention. This requires us to be available around the clock on extra alert and therefore to take the time off to cast votes is the last thought in our minds", opined a 108 worker in the City.
Government officials, army men and police personnel posted outside their hometowns have been granted the right to exercise their franchise through postal ballot. A similar demand had been made for 108 emergency workers, but thus far the Election Commission has not responded favourably to that legitimate demand.
Rajendran, Secretary of the 108 Emergency Workers Association points out that for the past three elections, their workers have not been able to exercise their rights. He hopes that at least for the upcoming election scheduled on April 18, the dream to exercise one's right to vote would become a reality.