Vikas boosted the polling percentage!
RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Oct 15: In a remarkable demonstration of democratic engagement, Poonch district in Jammu & Kashmir has achieved a commendable voter turnout of 74.37%, securing its place as the fifth highest among the twenty districts in the region. This impressive feat comes despite significant logistical challenges and reflects the tireless efforts of District Election Officer Vikas Kundal, IAS, and his dedicated team.
The district, which comprises a total of 483 polling booths-204 of which are classified as critical and 12 located near the border-has seen a substantial increase in voter participation. In the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year in April-May, the voter turnout was 68.74%. The recent elections show an increase of 5.63% in just a few months, highlighting the effectiveness of the voter awareness initiatives undertaken by the District Election Office.
Poonch’s challenging topography includes 280 villages, many situated in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Poor road connectivity has historically hindered access to polling stations, yet the District Election Office, under the leadership of Kundal, has made significant strides in ensuring that every voter was informed and empowered to exercise their right. The team, including Additional District Commissioner Tahir Mustafa JKAS: Deputy District Election Officer Saleem Ahmed JKAS: ACR Qadeer-Ul-Rehman JKAS (Returning Officer Poonch Haveli); SDM Mohammad Farooq Khan JKAS (Returning Officer Surankote); and SDM Imran Rashid JKAS (Returning Officer Mendhar) worked diligently to reach out to residents, overcoming the hurdles posed by the terrain.
The district is characterized by its stunning mountainous landscape, with an average altitude of 1,070 meters, bordered by the majestic Pir Panjal range to the north and east, Rajouri district to the south, and the Pakistan-occupied territory to the west. This geography, while beautiful, presents unique challenges for electoral processes, particularly in the six tehsils: Haveli, Mandi, Mendhar, Surankote, Mankote, and Balakote.
The commitment to enhancing voter turnout in Poonch underscores the vital importance of civic participation in the democratic process. The substantial increase in polling percentage not only reflects the hard work of the District Election Office but also signifies a growing awareness among the citizens of Poonch about their democratic rights and responsibilities.
As Poonch emerges as a leader in voter participation, it serves as an inspiring example for other districts in the region, proving that with dedication and community engagement, challenges can be overcome, and democracy can thrive.
