THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, Jan 25: For the first time, Jharkhand received the prestigious National Award for Best Performing State for its outstanding performance in elections. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the National Voter’s Day celebrations at Zorawar Auditorium, Manekshaw Center, New Delhi.
On this occasion, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand, K. Ravi Kumar, expressed gratitude to all voters in the state, as well as the Booth Level Officers (BLOs), polling personnel, police officers, security forces, political parties, and media professionals, for their dedication and support during the elections. He acknowledged that the credit for the free, fair, and peaceful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections belongs to all stakeholders. “This achievement is the result of our collective efforts,” he added.
Innovative measures
Under CEO K. Ravi Kumar’s leadership, Jharkhand introduced several innovative measures during last year’s Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. These efforts focused on making the voter list more integrated, inclusive, and error-free. BLOs conducted multiple rounds of voter verification, going door-to-door and pasting stickers on houses to confirm voter details. Special campaigns were also organized to include members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the voter list.
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To ensure accessibility, polling stations were equipped with essential facilities such as electricity, water, toilets, ramps, and wheelchairs for elderly and disabled voters. In remote areas, polling stations were constructed closer to villages, and vehicles were arranged for stations located more than two kilometres away. These efforts also extended to Naxal-affected regions, where voters participated peacefully for the first time in these elections.
Efficient polling management
For efficient polling management, a vehicle management system was implemented to minimize traffic disruption. Over 1.2 lakh volunteers were trained to assist voters, manage queues, and support elderly and disabled individuals at polling stations. Additionally, CCTV cameras were installed at checkposts, and polling booths were monitored via webcasting, both inside and outside, to ensure smooth and secure voting.
To raise voter awareness, large-scale initiatives were carried out under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program. Internet campaigns using hashtags and booth-level awareness groups motivated voters to participate. These efforts significantly increased voter turnout in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of 2024, with a notable rise in participation among women voters.
Thanks to these initiatives, Jharkhand not only achieved peaceful elections but also set a benchmark in voter inclusivity and accessibility, making this recognition a well-deserved milestone for the state.
