Vote for a change: Show your ink mark to get these freebies and discounts

[caption id=“attachment_81851” align=“alignnone” width=“860”] In the run up to the 2014 elections, the Election Commission has stepped up its efforts to increase awareness about the importance of voting - given that a huge chunk of the electorate is first-time voters who are young and itching to be counted. The business community, which has been at the receiving end of the policy paralysis of the UPA, is also chipping in to encourage voting. Establishments from restaurants to gyms to hospitals are offering freebies and discounts for patrons who prove they’ve voted. Here are some of the services voters can avail of, across India, once they show their inked fingers.
As many as 67 petrol pumps across Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Rohtak will offer 50-paise per litre discount on petrol to consumers who exercise their voting rights on April 10. Image: Reuters[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_81850” align=“alignnone” width=“860”] Virgin Atlantic Airways announced voters have a chance to win upgrades, lounge access and goodie hampers in a lucky draw if booked on Delhi-London flights. Not to be left behind, GoAir will offer its customers the freedom to select their seats for bookings made on the days when their respective cities go to polls. Image: Reuters[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_81849” align=“alignnone” width=“860”] In order to help voters make informed choice, Bharti Airtel offered its pre-paid users 50 MB free Internet usage on 10 April. The scheme will be available in Delhi NCR, Haryana and Kerala. Image: Reuters[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_81852” align=“alignnone” width=“860”] Restaurants across India are offering discounts for a few days or the entire polling period, with discount rates ranging from five to 20 percent. Image: Reuters[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_81853” align=“alignnone” width=“860”] Lakm Salon has also announced a 50 percent discount on hair cuts, during the month of April, to encourage women to vote, according to the press release. Image: AFP[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_82040” align=“alignnone” width=“860”] The Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore, is offering a 10 percent discount on outpatient services such as health check-ups and consultations between April 18 and May 1 to people with an ink-marked finger. Representational image: Reuters[/caption]