The Election Commission of India (ECI) had recognized the services of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, for successful holding of elections for the 18th Lok Sabha in the UT of J&K.
The Chief Secretary, J&K was presented with a ‘Certificate of Exemplary Leadership’ signed by Chief Election Commissioner and two of the Election Commissioners for his excellent service towards successful conduct of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections-2024 in J&K.
This appreciation by the Commission was received by the Chief Secretary for holding of trouble free elections in the UT in which a substantial 58.11% polling was recorded for the first time for the general elections held here since 1989 across the districts of the UT. The same was over 14% more than that of the elections of 2019 during which the overall percentage of polling was just around 44% across the districts of the UT.
Pertinent to mention here that these were the first general elections of the J&K after its reorganization in the year 2019. A total of 87,26,281 voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in these elections. For this purpose, 11,629 polling stations had been established and 80,724 polling personnel had been trained and made available to ECI for holding of elections across the villages and towns of J&K.
Moreover, for the first time administration had established 83 women manned, 70 youth manned, 73 PwD manned, 88 Green Polling Stations, 180 Border Polling Stations, 152 Model Polling Stations and 46 Unique Polling Stations under specific themes in all districts of Jammu & Kashmir. These were aimed to revolutionize the electoral process by ensuring accessibility and representation for all segments of society.
With a special focus on women, youth and Persons with Disabilities these stations were equipped with amenities tailored to meet their unique needs, fostering an environment conducive for their active participation in the democratic process.