Breaking Barriers: Red-Light Community's Journey to Inclusion

Sumita Koley and many women from Kolkata’s Chetla red-light area are breaking barriers to become registered voters. Despite challenges like lack of documents, local NGOs and special camps are aiding nearly 3,500 sex workers in enrolling. The initiative underscores the community's struggle for recognition and participation in the electoral process.

Kolkata's Chetla red-light area is witnessing a fervent push towards voter registration, as many women, including 40-year-old Sumita Koley, are determined to exercise their franchise for the first time. This community, largely composed of sex workers, is mobilizing to ensure their voices are counted in the democratic process.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) camps have been organized to assist nearly 3,500 women in the locality who seek enrollment as voters. Despite being Indian citizens, close to 30% of them have been absent from electoral rolls due to document inadequacies and societal challenges.

NGOs like Amra Padatik and Society for Human Development and Social Action are advocating for these women, urging the Election Commission to recognize alternative documents and facilitate their inclusion. Camps in areas like Sonagachi and Chetla strive to overcome these barriers, reflecting the community's resolve to claim their rightful place in the society.

(With inputs from agencies.)