Cachar district will set up a record 400 polling stations run entirely by women for the upcoming Assam assembly elections, district magistrate Ayush Garg said, a sharp rise from 201 such booths in 2021. The announcement, made ahead of polling on April 9, comes as the district expands its polling network to 1,732 booths from 1,551 to improve voter access.
“In a major push towards gender inclusivity, a record 400 polling stations in Cachar district will be managed entirely by women,” Garg said. Officials said the move is intended to encourage participation and make voting more accessible, especially for women voters.
The administration has also classified 95 polling stations as “critical” and 60 as “sensitive,” and is coordinating with security agencies to ensure smooth polling. Additional forces may be deployed in vulnerable areas and enhanced security arrangements will be put in place at the identified locations.
Cachar has 1,381,903 electors across seven assembly constituencies, comprising 691,607 men, 690,283 women and 13 third-gender voters, officials said. The larger number of polling stations aims to reduce crowding and shorten travel distances for voters on election day.
To maintain public order, the district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on March 16. The order bars the assembly of five or more people in public places without permission and prohibits carrying weapons such as lathis, daggers, sticks, spears and swords.
Public rallies, processions, demonstrations, strikes, dharnas and slogan shouting without prior permission are restricted where they might block roads or disrupt traffic. Use of loudspeakers without permission is banned, with a complete prohibition from 10 pm to 6 am. The order also prohibits inflammatory speeches, communal or anti-state slogans, defacement of religious places or government buildings, and the circulation of objectionable messages via SMS or social media that could influence the electoral process.
Exemptions apply for routine gatherings in markets, schools, transport hubs, sporting events, marriage ceremonies and religious functions, as well as for police, armed forces, magistrates on duty, government officials on official work and candidates conducting door-to-door campaigning. The restrictions took immediate effect and will remain in force until the declaration of results; violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, officials said.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/cachar-to-have-400-all-women-polling-stations/articleshow/129633353.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-17 18:22:00
