Guwahati: The mobile deposit facility for voters set up by the Election Commission (EC) outside polling booths has come as a major relief for electors. Introduced as a new initiative to enhance voter convenience and streamline poll-day arrangements, the facility allows voters to safely deposit their mobile phones before entering the booth.Jute bags with 10 pockets were seen hanging on walls outside polling stations, where voters deposited their phones and received a coupon in return before entering the booth to cast their votes.CEO Anurag Goel, during a press conference last month, said the facility was among several new initiatives introduced by the EC to improve voter convenience.Jonali Deka, a voter at a polling booth in New Guwahati constituency, said the mobile deposit facility proved helpful. “Earlier, we had to hand over our phones to relatives or friends before entering the booth. Sometimes, there’s no one to leave it with. Introducing this facility has solved that inconvenience — mobile phones are now an integral part of everyone’s life, and it’s not possible to go to vote leaving them at home,” she said.In line with various initiatives aimed at enhancing voter convenience and streamlining poll-day arrangements, the Election Commission issued instructions for providing mobile deposit facilities just outside polling stations. The guidelines are consistent with the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.Tridip Gogoi, BLO of Sankardev LP School in New Guwahati constituency, said polling at his booth concluded smoothly with good cooperation from voters. “Many voters used the mobile deposit facility before entering the booth and expressed satisfaction with the arrangement,” he said.
