Jammu & Kashmir, March 04, 2025 – Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has been awarded a Certificate of Exemplary Leadership by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for his outstanding role in ensuring the successful and peaceful conduct of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections-2024 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The recognition highlights his pivotal contribution to a landmark electoral process that saw unprecedented voter participation and innovative measures for inclusivity.
J&K recorded a historic voter turnout of 58.11%, the highest since 1989, marking a significant 14% increase from the 49.58% turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This surge reflects a renewed enthusiasm among voters and underscores the effectiveness of the administration’s efforts to facilitate a smooth and secure voting process under Dulloo’s leadership.
The 2024 elections in J&K stood out for their emphasis on accessibility and representation. For the first time, the region introduced a range of specialized polling stations, including those managed by women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PwD). Additionally, green polling stations promoting environmental awareness, border polling stations catering to remote areas, and model polling stations equipped with enhanced facilities were established to ensure every voter could exercise their democratic right. These initiatives have been widely praised as a model for inclusive electoral practices.
“The peaceful and successful conduct of the elections is a testament to the dedication of our administrative and security teams, as well as the faith of the people of J&K in democracy,” Dulloo said in a statement following the honor. The ECI’s recognition underscores his strategic oversight and the collaborative efforts of election officials, security forces, and local communities.
The historic turnout and innovative polling measures have set a new benchmark for elections in J&K, a region that has faced significant challenges in past decades. Political analysts view this as a sign of growing democratic engagement, with the administration’s focus on accessibility resonating with diverse voter groups, including first-time voters and marginalized communities.
The Certificate of Exemplary Leadership was presented to Dulloo during a ceremony organized by the ECI, celebrating his contributions to strengthening India’s democratic framework. As J&K looks ahead, this achievement marks a significant milestone in its electoral history, reflecting both progress and promise for future democratic exercises.
