First time mentally challenged persons exercise their franchise

For the first time inmates in the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, Chennai have participated in the mammoth electoral process. Attired in colourful dress 84 inmates have exercised their franchise in the General Assembly Poll on Tuesday. They took part in the process of electing a Legislator for Villivakkam Assembly Constituency. They hope that the next Government will work for the welfare of the people and improve their livelihood. By casting their votes they have also broken an age-old taboo. Also, social activists believe that providing voting rights to mentally challenged people is a step in the right direction.

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Tuesday (April 6) is a red-letter day for the people in Tamil Nadu. About 6.28 crore voters have taken part in electing 234 Legislators. And, for the first time members from the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, Chennai also took part in the democratic festival. The institute houses 884 mentally challenged persons. Among them, 84 were selected to cast their votes in the historic event.

Coordinating with the Election Commission of India, Greater Chennai Corporation, Police and an NGO the officials in the Institute have organized the polling festival in the institute. Dr Poorna Chandra, Director, Institute of Mental Health constituted a team to select the persons who are capable and eligible to vote in the Assembly poll.

A study was conducted on how many inmates can understand the prevailing political situations, issues faced by the people and parties. The team has shortlisted 56 men and 28 women inmates to cast their votes. With the help of an NGO, a PowerPoint presentation was made in the institute to enable them to under the parties and their candidates who are fighting for the Villivakkam Assembly Seat.

After training the team ensured that they were ready to cast their votes as done by others. On Tuesday they were excited and happy to cast their votes. Decked up with new dress and smile on their faces the inmates have reached the polling station as though they are taking part in a festival.

They have followed the Covid protocol and sanitized their hands. They entered the hall covering their face with a mask and wearing gloves on their hand. Staffs have accorded a warm welcome to them. Maintaining social distancing they polled their votes in the EVMs.

They were happy to take part in the process. Many of them are aware of the issues faced by the people and what the next government should do to help the people and improve their livelihood. According voting right is a step in the right direction, social activist said.

Dr Poorna Chandra, Director, Institute of Mental Health, said that as per Mental Health Care Act unsound mind is not a permanent disorder. It is a temporary one. We have constituted a team to assess whether they are capable of understanding the normal activities and current political situation. A study was held as to how many of them understand the political parties and candidates. On the approval of the Election Commission, the staffs from Greater Chennai Corporation brought a model EVM to the Institute and demonstrated its functions and how to vote. An NGO Yuva Kendra made a PowerPoint presentation regarding the parties and candidates facing the election. Now they are voting.

An inmate dressed in a white shirt said “I want a Government which will revamp the industries post-Covid period. During Covid pandemic lockdown many people lost their job and livelihood was affected. The party which comes to power must take efforts to industrialize the State and rehabilitate the Covid affected industries."

Another inmate said the Government which comes to power must look after the welfare of the people as the economy was severely affected by Covid.

A woman inmate said, “I am happy to cast my vote and thanked Director Dr Poorna Chandra and others."