PORVORIM: North Goa registered a massive victory over South Goa in the Blind Cricket tournament organised by Office of the Chief Electoral Officer-Goa at GCA ground here on Sunday. The motive of the activity was to create an awareness among the voters about the inclusive election initiaitives of the Election Commission of India for the forthcoming Goa Assembly Election.
After winning the toss, South Goa asked North Goa to bat first. North Goa openers – Yeshwant Gosavi (65 runs) and Prajyot Jha (70 runs) provided a great start with a partnership of 160 runs, thus setting a huge target for South Goa team to win, in the 12 overs contest. South Goa could not chase down the target and were restricted to 125 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
The winning North Goa team received a cash prize of Rs 11,000 certificate and trophy; while Rs 5500 cash prize was given to the runner-up team. Participation Certificates were presented to the players of both teams.
CEO-Goa Kunal, IAS, congratulated both the teams for showing sportsman’s spirit and said that sportsman’s spirit and participation in elections, are interrelated. “The election is a festival of democracy and in election, we need sportsman’s spirit, commitment and participation for the success of democracy,” remarked Kunal.
Kunal also appealed to the voters to come out with dedication and participate in the electoral process without fear and influence to vote in an ethical manner. He informed that the Election Commission has set up a helpline No 1950 for assistance.
Urging the voter to participate ethically, Kunal said people can call for any inquiry/complaint, if they find anyone influencing the voter by distributing freebies, using muscle power or are threatened in any manner. He further stated that Absentee Voter facilities have been set up for Persons with Disability (PwD) electors and Senior Citizens above 80 years of age and they have the choice to either come to polling station or to opt for Absentee Voting system by casting a postal ballot at home.
The Polling Stations are going to have better Assured Minimum Facilities like ramps, toilets etc and all agencies are working towards upgradation of infrastructure. He also appealed PwD electors to use PwD App of Election Commission of India.
Persons with Disabilities from various categories participated to see the match as well as EVM/VVPAT Demonstration. Divyang Lokshahicho Rath was also made available at the venue with all accessible material related to election including the assured minimum facilities folder in Braille for Persons with Visual Impairment. Persons with Visual Impairment also expressed their interest in creating awareness among other Persons with Disabilities on ethical voting.
