Women voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise at various polling stations on Monday in the State Capital hoping for a better and safer India in the near future. Ranchi constituency has more than 18 lakh registered voters including approximately 8.8 lakh females.
With high expectations from the government for a better tomorrow, a safer country for women was what topped the list. All crimes committed against women should be dealt in fast track courts, they said. Women are also hoping for a cleaner and a more hygienic surrounding, cheaper sanitary napkins made available- a basic necessity for all women, reduced prices, equal job opportunities leading to empowering women and better health services.
“Since the election dates were announced, I was eagerly waiting for May 06 to exercise my franchise my polling booth was very well managed and this time the voting methodology was very transparent. About 46 per cent of the Indian population is female, which speak about the importance of the female voters in the country. I am a proud voter and feel every woman should exercise her right today,” said Preeti Garodia, who runs coaching centre in Ranchi.
Neha Nupur wants women to be empowered in today’s world and earn what they deserve.
“I was very excited to cast my vote and feel that I too have some contribution in choosing the right leader for my country. Everything takes time and so does development. There has been a tremendous change in the system in the last five years and I hope the new government will continue working for the betterment of the people. Women who work from home should get the funds directly to their bank accounts rather than through the middle men which will be a huge step towards making them independent and empowering womanhood,” said Nupur, a home maker, who is also pursuing her PhD in History. For senior citizen Jaya Verma who is an avid traveler a change in the foreign policy like visa on arrival for more countries would be welcome. Appropriate footpaths for the pedestrians, proper traffic rules and more public parks is what she is hoping for from the government. “My booth was at Red Cross Morabadi. There were people who had reached even before the polling started on Monday morning eager to cast their vote. For the first time I saw that they had made arrangements for drinking water and a make shift shade was also made to prevent any casualties in the heat. I hope the government would give more advantages to the seniors citizens when it comes to travelling and public sector services,” she said.
Shruti Khemani (44) who runs her own catering business was ecstatic on being a first time voter. “I was living abroad for the past 17 years and this is the first time I voted. It felt very good that I have made a contribution to my country. I have chosen a leader who I hope will bring welfare to the nation and its people,” she said.
Puja (37), a young entrepreneur is felt that the number of voters at her polling station were much more as compared to last time. “The number of voters especially women was much more as compared to the 2014 elections. Early morning the atmosphere at the booth seemed very charged with enthusiastic voters. There was a proper shaded area made for those waiting for their turn. Voting gives a sense of responsibility and am a proud voter today,” she said.
Apart from the basic amenities like good roads, proper sanitation facilities and reduced prices, the women in Ranchi are also looking for more employment opportunities for the deserving. “I expect the government to implement women empowerment in the true sense and ensure employment to the deserving. I further expect full transparency in the entire economic scenario of the country,” Garodia further added.