The Sakhi polling centres are completely managed by women, comprising women presiding officers, polling officers 1, 2 and 3, as well as security staff. Representational pic
In a bid to ensure safe, secure, and convenient voting for women, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has set up 220 exclusive women-only polling centres for the January 15 civic elections. Additionally, 11 âSakhi' polling centres and 10 model polling stations have been prepared across the city, TMC Commissioner and Returning Officer Saurabh Rao said on Tuesday.
The women-only booths have been spread across different ward committees - 16 in Kalwa, 125 in Mumbra, and 79 in Diva. Each of these centres will be managed by women polling officers and staff, along with women police personnel, to provide a comfortable and harassment-free voting environment.
"Many women face difficulties voting at public polling stations due to social or religious reasons. These dedicated women-only booths aim to remove such barriers and encourage higher voter turnout among women," the election administration said in a statement, emphasising the importance of their participation in the democratic process.
The Sakhi polling centres are completely managed by women, comprising women presiding officers, polling officers 1, 2 and 3, as well as security staff.
These booths will be painted pink and decorated with balloons and other attractive features, earning them the nickname âPink Booths'.
Model polling stations have been equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure a smooth voting experience, the administration stated.
Key Sakhi and model polling centres across Thane
Majiwada Manpada Ward Committee: Sakhi-Potdar School, Hiranandani Estate; Model - Hiranandani Foundation School, Patlipada.
Naupada Kopri Ward Committee: Sakhi and Model - Dr Bedekar Vidyamandir, Mahatma Phule Road.
Uthalsar Ward Committee: Sakhi - Meenatai Thackeray Paricharya Training Institute, Uthalsar; Model - Saraswati Education Society High School, Panchpakadi.
Wagle Ward Committee: Sakhi - Tisa House Road No 16, Nehrunagar, behind Wagle Fire Station; Model - Maharashtra State Seed Corporation, Konkan Subdivision Room 1.
Lokmanya Savarkar Nagar Ward Committee: Sakhi - Maldan Education and Welfare Association, Vidyaniketan English School, Shastrinagar; Model - Sankalp School, Patilwadi.
Vartak Nagar Ward Committee: Sakhi - Kashinath Ghanekar Natya Gruha, Supreme Daily Hall; Model - Shrimati Sulochanadevi Singhania High School, Pokhran Road No 1.
Kalwa Ward Committee: Sakhi - Sub-Divisional Engineer, Patbandhare Department, in front of Sahyadri School; Model - Sahakar Vidya Prasarak Mandal, Kalwa.
Mumbra Ward Committee: Sakhi - Angel Paradise School, Room No 1, Narayannagar; Sakhi & Model - MS College, Shoeb Education Welfare Society, Chand Nagar, Kausa.
Diva Ward Committee: Sakhi & Model - New Gurukul Convent School and Junior College, Shlok Nagar, Dativali Road, Diva East; Sakhi & Model - MESKO School, Kausa.
With these arrangements, TMC aims to provide women voters a safe, accessible, and dignified voting experience while strengthening their participation in the democratic process, the administration said in a press release.
