Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 January 2025
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the 15th National Voters’ Day celebrations held in the capital on 25th of January 2025. In a ceremony commemorating the spirit of democracy, the President presented the prestigious Best Electoral Practices Awards to State and District officials for their exceptional efforts in ensuring smooth and inclusive elections.
Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer, South Andaman, was conferred the ‘Best Electoral Practices Award, 2024-25’ for his exemplary management of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The award recognizes his efforts in overcoming logistical challenges and integrating remote tribal communities into the electoral process.
Speaking to PTI after receiving the honour, Mr. Sharma highlighted the complexities of conducting elections across the geographically isolated and diverse terrain of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “The Lok Sabha polls in the Islands were a logistical triumph, overcoming geographical isolation and challenging terrain. Extensive manpower planning ensured polling stations were set up across remote islands, including areas inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs),” he said.
He emphasized the inclusion of the Shompen tribe in the election process, marking a historic milestone. “Members of the Shompen tribe actively participated in the polling process, and for the first time, the Jarawa tribes were included in the electoral roll during the recent Special Summary Revision. The Election Commission’s SVEEP campaigns were pivotal in raising awareness among indigenous communities, fostering their democratic participation,” Mr. Sharma added.
Despite transportation hurdles, Mr. Sharma noted that polling materials and officials reached all locations on time, enabling a peaceful and transparent election.
The award, instituted by the Election Commission of India, highlights the fair and inclusive electoral process executed in the A&N Islands Parliamentary Constituency. A one-minute video showcasing best practices during the 2024 General Elections in the region was also presented during the event.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were recognized alongside 10 other States and Union Territories in the General Category for their outstanding contributions to the democratic process.
President Murmu lauded the efforts of all awardees, emphasizing the importance of inclusive elections in strengthening India’s democratic fabric.