National Icon in Disability Category (PWD)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) organized an exhibition cricket match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) team and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) team to promote voter education and inclusivity. The match was held on March 16, 2024 at the Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi. On this occasion, distinguished para-archer and Arjuna Awardee, Ms. Sheetal Devi Ek was declared the National Icon in the Disability category (PWD).
Guests present at the event
In this program, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajeev Kumar and Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu honored the winning team. Famous former Indian cricket player Nikhil Chopra was also invited as a special guest along with officials from DDCA and IDCA.
Commitment to inclusivity
This cricket match exemplifies the commitment made by CEC Rajeev Kumar to the Indian Deaf cricket team when he honored them for bringing glory to the country by winning the T20 Champions Trophy held in UAE on the eve of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2022.
Both the teams put on an exciting match for the 2500 spectators including various categories of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and young voters who gathered under the bright blue sky to enjoy the match. DDCA team won the match by 69 runs (Scorecard – DDCA 190/5; IDCA – 121/8) This match was a message of inclusivity and unity.
Objective of organizing such program by ICI:
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is confident that such initiatives will significantly increase voter participation in the upcoming general elections. Especially the participation of youth and disabled people will increase. The Election Commission has carefully designed the guidelines and inclusive measures. The Commission is committed to ensuring democracy.
- The program concluded with a soulful rendition of the national anthem in sign language by the students of the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre.
About Election Commission of India (ECI):
- ECI which is also known as Election Commission. It is an autonomous constitutional body. It conducts union and state election processes in India.
- ICI was established on January 25, 1950 as per the Constitution. 25th January is celebrated as National Voters' Day.
- The Secretariat of the Commission is in New Delhi.
- ICI conducts the elections of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, President and Vice President in the country.
- ECI has no connection with the elections of Panchayats and Municipalities in the states. For this, the Constitution of India makes provision for a separate State Election Commission.