SRINAGAR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has honoured Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo with a ‘Certificate of Exemplary Leadership’ for overseeing the successful conduct of the 18th Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory (UT).
Dulloo received the recognition from the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners in acknowledgment of his role in ensuring trouble-free elections, which recorded a historic voter turnout of 58.11 per cent—the highest since 1989. This marked a significant 14 per cent increase compared to the 2019 general elections, which saw a turnout of around 44 per cent.
These elections were the first general polls in Jammu and Kashmir following its reorganisation in 2019. A total of 87,26,281 eligible voters cast their ballots across 11,629 polling stations, with 80,724 trained polling personnel deployed across the UT.
For the first time, the administration introduced 83 women-manned polling stations, 70 youth-manned stations, 73 for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 88 Green Polling Stations, 180 Border Polling Stations, 152 Model Polling Stations, and 46 Unique Polling Stations with specific themes. These initiatives aimed to enhance inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring broader participation from all sections of society, including women, youth, and PwDs.
The ECI’s recognition underscores the UT administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic participation and ensuring free and fair elections.
