The Election Commission’s innovative measures, like eco-friendly polling stations in Chhattisgarh, tribal-themed booths in Odisha, and initiatives such as transportation provisions and electoral literacy clubs in Kerala, effectively encouraged the enthusiastic participation of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the two phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Notably, the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar voted for the first time, marking a historic milestone in their democratic engagement. In the last 11 state Assembly polls, there were around nine lakh eligible voters from 14 PVTGs communities namely Kamar, Bhunjia, Baiga, Pahadi Korwa, Abujhmadia, Birhor, Sahariya, Bhariya, Chenchu, Kolam, Thoti, Kondareddy, Jenu Kuruba and Koraga.
Elated at the encouraging response from these elusive communities which accounts India’s 8.6 per cent tribal population, the Election Commission on Wednesday said that inclusive efforts such as setting up polling booths in previously inaccessible areas have led to significant PVTG inclusion in the electoral process.
Under the guidance of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, special campaigns and registration drives were conducted, ensuring 100% enrollment of PVTGs in the electoral rolls across several states, said an official from the top poll authority. In fact, in the last two years since he has been at the helm of electoral affairs, Kumar has been emphasising on a greater participation of the PVTGs in the electoral process, the EC official said.
Kumar has personally directed the state chief electoral officers and district election officers concerned to make sure that special campaigns and registration drives are launched to register the PVTGs in the electoral rolls as a first step for their inclusion, the official pointed out.
During a special summary revision to update the electoral rolls, special outreach camps were held across specific states with a PVTG population.
At least 40 polling stations were established in unique tribal themes in an effort to draw these voters to the polls on election day in Karnataka while tribal theme-based polling stations welcomed the voters at the polling stations, with villagers in Dindori, decorating the polling stations themselves in Madhya Pradesh.
Additionally, in the State, three Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) - Baiga, Bhariya, and Sahariya - actively participated in the electoral process. Out of a total population of 9,91,613 across 23 districts, 6,37,681 eligible citizens aged 18 and above are registered in the electoral rolls.
During the voting phases, there was notable enthusiasm among voters from the Baiga and Bharia tribes. Many of them arrived at polling stations early in the morning, demonstrating their commitment to participating in the democratic process, shared the official.
Further exemplifying the dedication to democracy, Kurumba tribal voters in the Mukkali region of Silent Valley, Kerala, embarked on hours-long journeys, traversing dense forests to reach accessible polling booths. Despite their advanced age, numerous tribal voters, including women, showcased unwavering commitment, with 417 out of 817 voters being female.
The innovative use of wall paintings in local dialects not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of surroundings but also conveyed empowering messages such as “vote for sure” and “my vote can’t be purchased.” Through various means, including navigating dense forests and waterways, enthusiastic voters ensured their participation in the Lok Sabha elections.
