Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 25: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 15th National Voters’ Day celebrations in New Delhi today. The President presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards to State and District Officials, who demonstrated exemplary performance in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.

Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Returning Officer/Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman and District Election Officer, South Andaman, A&N Islands has bagged the ‘Best Electoral Practices Award, 2024-25’ for his exemplary execution of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

On the occasion of ‘National Voters’ Day’ celebrations at New Delhi today, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the Award to Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, for demonstrating exemplary performance in ensuring the smooth conduct of General Elections- 2024. 

Speaking to PTI, Shri Arjun Sharma said, “The Lok Sabha polls in the Islands was 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).” “Members of the reclusive Shompen tribe also participated in the poll process, marking it a historic milestone. The Election Commission’s SVEEP campaigns played a pivotal role, raising awareness among indigenous communities. In the recently concluded Special Summary Revision, Jarawa tribes of Andamans were included in the Electoral Roll for the first time.

“Despite transportation hurdles, polling materials and officials reached all locations on time. The election was conducted peacefully, reflecting meticulous coordination and the spirit of democratic inclusion,” he said.

Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, the Returning Officer & District Election Officer, South Andaman of the General Elections-2024 has been bestowed with this award, instituted by the Election Commission of India, for executing the election in a fair & transparent manner in the A&N Islands Parliamentary Constituency and integrating Shompen Tribes in the election process for the first time in the history of A&N Islands. The UT of A&N Islands has been selected for this award under the General Category along with 10 other States & UTs. A one-minute video covering the Best Practices during the General Election-2024 in A&N Parliamentary Constituency was also displayed on the occasion.