Punjab polls: Braille ballot papers, signange sheets for the visually-impaired

Officials said that the state election commission has paid Rs 7 lakh to the institute for the printing job. Although almost all the staff working at the press are people who have proper eyesight, the printed material in Punjab Braille was approved by the Principal of School of Blind, JAS Jayara, who is visually impaired.

The printing started a day after the last date of withdrawal nominations on February 5.

THE CHANDIGARH Institute for Blind has manufactured at least 27,250 ballot papers and signage sheets in Punjabi Braille that will be pasted on hundreds of EVM machines to facilitate visually impaired voters in Punjab to cast their franchise during the February 20 polls.

The ballot papers and signage sheets were printed at the Braille Printing Press located inside the Institute for Blind, Chandigarh. The Society for the Care of the Blind, Chandigarh, is an registered NGO which runs the Institute for Blind. Notably, this will be the first instance of ballot papers in Braille being printed for the visually impaired people of the state in such large numbers. Officials said that printing press staff worked tirelessly from 7am till 2.30am for at least 11 days. At least 3,500 ballot papers in Punjabi Braille were being printed every day. The printing started a day after the last date of withdrawal nominations on February 5.

Officials said that the state election commission has paid Rs 7 lakh to the institute for the printing job. Although almost all the staff working at the press are people who have proper eyesight, the printed material in Punjab Braille was approved by the Principal of School of Blind, JAS Jayara, who is visually impaired.

“There are selective Braille printing presses in the region. Others are in Dehradun and Delhi. But the Punjab government preferred our institute because here we are capable of printing the ballot papers, signage sheets in three different languages — Hindi, Punjabi and English. Because the elections are in Punjab, authorities also need these in the regional language. We printed the entire material in merely 11 days. Till the completion of work Pankaj Sharma and I worked daily till 2.30 am and again started the Braille embossers (printers) at 7 am the next day,” Bishwajeet, in-charge of the Braille Press at the institute, said.

A staff member said, “The need for additional signage sheets for EVM machines arose for at least six constitutes where more than 16 candidates are contesting the elections from each seat. The election commission assigned us the task of printing the signage sheets for the EVMs.” Officials said that the amount received from the election commission will be utilised for welfare activities, after paying compensation to the staff who worked day and night for the preparation of ballot paper in Punjabi Braille.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More