Model booths or pink booths are in focus across the state this time. Voting is taking place in 152 seats in the first phase of the election. Pink booths have been set up in districts across the state. What are these pink booths like? What services are available at these booths? How are these special pink booths different from regular booths? Learn in detail...
Booth operated by female polling staff
What is a model booth?
Pink booths are the attraction in the state assembly elections this time. But what are these pink booths? The main feature of these booths is that they are operated solely by female polling staff. This means everyone from the polling officer to the security personnel are all female polling staff.
Pink booth for female voters
These booths have been specially created by the Election Commission. The main purpose is to create a comfortable and safe environment for female voters at these booths. Out of a total of 85,379 booths in the state, 634 model booths have been set up.
Voting under the watch of female security personnel
How are they different from regular booths?
Special emphasis is placed on female voters at these booths to increase their participation in voting. These booths have separate lines for women, help desks, and additional special arrangements for voter assistance. This time's model booths have been made in pink. This pink colour has been identified as a symbol of women's empowerment. Here's a glimpse of some pink booths across the state...
Pink booth in Midnapore
Pink booth in Midnapore
It looks like a festive venue – that's how booths 176 and 177 at Mission Girls Primary School in West Midnapore town have been decorated. An ideal polling station or model polling station has been created here. A cutout of West Midnapore district's election mascot Chitra has been placed in front of the booth.
What services are available here?
What services have been arranged at that booth?
The entire booth has been decorated with colorful fabrics. Various types of services are available. Arrangements for drinking water for voters, clean toilets, and separate spaces for mothers to breastfeed their children have been provided. Beautiful seating arrangements have been made so that elderly voters don't face any inconvenience when they come to vote. There are special seating areas for differently-abled persons.
Selfie zone has been created
Selfie zone
These booths have special selfie zones for voters. Many voters take selfies showing the voting ink on their fingers after casting their votes. Model booths also have this facility. There's a beautiful gate at the entrance to the booth. The walkway from the gate to the booth is decorated with potted plants on both sides.
Pink booth in Cooch Behar
This pink booth has been set up at booths 004/198 and 004/199 at Suniti Academy in Cooch Behar. The entire booth premises is covered with pink pandals and green carpets. A cutout of Cooch Behar district's voting mascot, turtle Mohan, has been placed outside the gate.
Medical services available at pink booth
Special medical services
Various services have been arranged for voters. If any voter falls ill, there's a special medical team for first aid. This team includes doctors and ASHA workers.
Tendency to take selfies
Special arrangements for the elderly
Often voters have to stand in line for quite some time. To ensure elderly people don't face any inconvenience, seating arrangements are available. There are wheelchair assistants for differently-abled persons. Keeping in mind the tendency to take selfies, selfie zones have also been created. Many people are taking pictures there after voting.
Importance of pink booths
Importance of pink booths in voting
Model booths are decorated in pink color so that voters can easily identify these special booths. In many centers where there are more female voters, these booths are created so that women can vote without any hindrance. Additionally, raising awareness about women's voting rights is a major reason behind creating these booths.
