18K MCD staff deployed for Delhi poll
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) played a crucial role in the successful conduct of the Delhi Assembly elections, contributing significantly to the process by deploying over 18,000 municipal staff to manage polling and reception duties on Wednesday.
Under the guidance of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi, the MC facilitated the set-up of 2,610 locations with 12,825 polling stations, including 731 auxiliary booths. Special polling stations were created to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, including 204 model polling stations, 68 pink (all-women) polling stations, 68 PwD (Persons with Disabilities) polling stations and 68 youth polling stations.
To ensure that polling booths were fully functional, the MC mobilised around 16,500 staff members. It also made necessary preparations such as setting up barricades, signage with colour codes, lighting, water, furniture, providing waiting areas, crèches and medical rooms with paramedical staff on standby. It also introduced features such as ramps, motorised transport vehicles (MTVs), porta cabins and heaters to improve voter comfort.
The MC also implemented several voter engagement initiatives to enhance the polling experience. These included offering voter assistance at polling stations, creating a festive atmosphere, and introducing a colour-coded booth system for better navigation. Additionally, ‘Know Your Booth’ app was launched to help voters easily locate their polling stations.
In a bid to encourage voter participation, the MC organised “Democracy Discount” offers and actively promoted the use of QR codes to gather feedback from citizens, helping to improve future electoral processes.
