Minhas’s efforts pay off!
RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Oct 16: In the picturesque Jammu division of Jammu & Kashmir, the Kathua district has emerged as a shining example of democratic engagement, recently ranking among the top six districts in the region with a remarkable 72.23% voter turnout in the latest assembly elections. This impressive statistic marks a significant increase of 2.70% compared to the 69.53% turnout observed during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. The success of this electoral exercise can largely be attributed to the relentless efforts of District Election Officer (DEO) Rakesh Minhas, IAS, and his dedicated team.
Under Rakesh Minhas’s astute leadership, the District Election team worked tirelessly, reaching out to every corner of Kathua to encourage voter participation. Recognizing the vital importance of involving citizens in the democratic process, Minhas and his team organized outreach programs to connect with rural communities, emphasizing the need for every voice to be heard. Their commitment to fostering a spirit of civic responsibility played a pivotal role in transforming the electoral landscape of the district.
The geographical diversity of Kathua presents both challenges and opportunities. The district, characterized by high mountain ranges, valleys, gorges, and canyons, also includes the gentle terrain of the Outer Plains. However, many of the remote villages remain difficult to access due to inadequate road connectivity. With a total of 551 villages and 257 panchayats, the team faced the formidable task of ensuring that even the most isolated communities could participate in this vital democratic exercise.
Kathua is divided into 11 tehsils-Kathua, Hiranagar, Billawar, Basohli, Bani, Nagri, Marheen, Dinga Amb, Mahanpur, Lohai Malhar, and Ramkote. Each tehsil, despite having its own headquarters, presents unique challenges in terms of accessibility. Rakesh Minhas, along with his capable team members-including Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjit Singh JKAS, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Vishav Partap Singh JKAS, and Deputy DEO Nagesh Singh JKAS-navigated these obstacles with determination and strategic planning.
Their concerted efforts paid off, resulting in a notable increase in voter engagement. The district election team emphasized the importance of each individual’s vote, framing participation as not just a right, but a celebration of democracy itself. The positive impact of their outreach initiatives was palpable, as citizens from all walks of life came together to exercise their democratic rights.
In conclusion, the significant rise in voter turnout in Kathua district reflects not only the dedication of DEO Rakesh Minhas and his team but also the community’s commitment to strengthening democracy in Jammu & Kashmir. As the region continues to evolve, the successful electoral engagement in Kathua serves as an inspiring model for other districts, demonstrating the power of proactive leadership and community involvement in shaping the future of governance.
