Sex workers demand right to vote

8220;We have been residing in the city for more than 30 years and also possess ration cards. Why shouldn8217;t we also be allowed to vote like other citizens?8221; said a sex worker. The sex workers were led by a voluntary organisation, Orissa Patita Uddhar Samiti.

The Samiti has been pressing for various social, political and civic rights of the identified CSWs. 8220;Since the Election Commission has ordered for the inclusion of identified CSWs in the electoral list, the State Election Commission should not deny the same right to these 79 women,8221; said Samiti Secretary Abhurani Choudhury.

According to Sub-collector Bharat Bhusan Jagdev, the applications of the sex workers had been accepted and the papers have been forwarded to the EC for verification. An inquiry will be ordered in the area, the report of which will is expected by June 21, he informed.