Election Commission's Outreach: Special Voter Camps for Sonagachi Sex Workers

The Election Commission plans to set up special camps in Sonagachi to assist sex workers in completing electoral forms amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of rolls. This initiative follows concerns raised by organizations about enumeration challenges, with CEO Manoj Agarwal pledging additional support within the district.

The Election Commission has announced plans to hold special voter registration camps in Sonagachi, Asia's largest red-light district, on December 2 and 3. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by sex workers during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The decision comes in response to mounting concerns over enumeration difficulties in the city's red-light districts, which have been voiced by local organizations working with sex workers. Among the organizations that reached out to the Election Commission are the Society of Human Development and Social Action, Usha Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited, and Amra Padatik.

Officials have been instructed to provide on-ground assistance to ensure sex workers can complete required forms. CEO Manoj Agarwal has assured that special hearings and personal visits will be conducted to provide further assistance where needed, aiming to encourage participation of sex workers in the electoral process.

(With inputs from agencies.)