QR Code system for polling booth information launched at Thane Collectorate

The district administration is ramping up efforts to significantly raise voter awareness and turnout in Thane district ahead of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20, 2024. In a press conference held at the Thane Collectorate, Thane Collector Ashok Shingare and officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) made a collective appeal to citizens to come out and vote in large numbers.

“Enhance the voter turnout in Thane district, Increase awareness among the public about voting,” with this resolution in mind, the district administration is conducting various programs at different levels.
One such program is engaging in dialogue with specially invited individuals from various segments of society. District Magistrate and District Election Decision Officer Ashok Shingare convened such a dialogue on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the District Planning Committee Auditorium, inviting everyone to contribute their invaluable participation towards public awareness of voting and fulfilling this national duty.

To aid this initiative, a QR code system has been launched, enabling voters to easily locate their polling booths. The system was unveiled at the event, which saw participation from electoral observers from the 23 Bhiwandi and 24 Kalyan constituencies, along with Public Relations Officers from the Mira-Bhayander and Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporations.

Present at the conference were SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) officials, heads of industrial companies, members of the AHAR association, representatives from banks, cooperative housing society leaders, and other community leaders from organizations such as IMA, FICCI, Rotary, and the Jewellers Association, alongside journalists.
Awareness about 1950, a toll free number which informs voters about where their polling booth is was held. 
The QR code initiative, spearheaded by District Magistrate and District Election Officer Ashok Shingare, aims to simplify the voting process for citizens. This system, developed under the "Election Atlas for Thane District for General Parliamentary Elections - 2024," allows voters to scan a QR code specific to their Lok Sabha constituency (23 Bhiwandi, 24 Kalyan, and 25 Thane) to find detailed information about their polling stations.

Upon scanning the QR code, voters will see all polling stations in their area. By selecting their polling station number from the voter slip, they will be directed to a Google map showing the exact location, distance, and directions to the polling station, ensuring easy navigation on election day.

This technological advancement was developed by a dedicated team, including District Coordination Officer (Communication Division) Sunil Mahale, CIDCO Transport Engineer Mahendrakumar Metkari, Sub-Divisional Engineer Abu Ameer, Assistant District Coordination Officer (Communication Section) Aniket Khandekar, and Assistant Transport Engineers Abhishek Chavan and Rahul Kapadnis.

Manoj Sanap, head of the Thane District Information Office, reinforced the importance of voting with the slogan, “Sainik Shaheed Hotat Ani Deta Balidan, Aami Sarv Karyuya Aapla Mat Daan” (Soldiers sacrifice their lives for the country, let us exercise our democratic right by casting vote).

Present at this event were Central Election Inspector (General) of the 24 Kalyan Constituency Mr. Manoj Jain, Election Expenditure Inspector Dr. Chittaranjan Dhangada Majhi, along with Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Archana Kadam, Additional Commissioner from Thane Municipal Corporation Mr. Sandeep Malvi, and from Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation Mr. Mangesh Chitale.

Also in attendance were Additional Commissioner Vitthal Dake from Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Pawar from Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation, Sub Collector Sharad Pawar, Deputy Commissioners from Thane Municipal Corporation, Mr. Umesh Birari and Mr. Pawar, as well as District Leading Bank District Administrator Mr. Manchal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sanjay Bagul, SVEEP Tehsildars Ms. Smita Mohite and Mrs. Bhagat, Mr. Pradeep Kudal, along with numerous other officials from the district administration, representatives from industries, social organizations, educational institutions, presidents of various housing societies, and media personnel.

With 6,678,476 voters registered across the 23 Bhiwandi, 24 Kalyan, and 25 Thane Lok Sabha constituencies, Thane district is ready for the elections. A total of 6,604 polling stations have been set up, including 36 located in the clubhouses of housing societies. All polling stations are equipped with essential amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, shaded areas, ramps, and wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for all voters.

As part of the preparation, polling teams will depart for their respective stations on May 19, 2024, ensuring a seamless voting process. Special arrangements, including medical kits and transportation for differently-abled voters, have been made to facilitate participation.

The administration urges all eligible voters to utilize these resources and exercise their democratic right, contributing to a robust electoral process in Thane district.