President Murmu honours Bilaspur, Lahaul-Spiti DCs

Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq and Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar were honoured with the prestigious “Best Electoral Practices Award-2025” for their exemplary performances during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections at a ceremony in New Delhi today. The award was conferred upon the Deputy Commissioners by President Droupadi Murmu at the National Voters’ Day celebration held at the Manekshaw Centre.

Out of 788 districts across India, only 15 were selected for this prestigious recognition, including Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti from Himachal Pradesh. The award highlights excellence in election management, voter education, inclusive practices and innovative initiatives undertaken during the electoral process.

Abid Hussain Sadiq said during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 418 polling stations were set up in Bilaspur district, including 16 model polling stations, eight women-managed stations and one station run by persons with disabilities. He credited the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme for playing a pivotal role in adding 4,473 new voters to the electoral roll, which helped to boost voter turnout.

Expressing his gratitude, Abid Hussain Sadiq said, “This recognition is not just for me but for the entire district of Bilaspur. It reflects the collective efforts of all officials, employees and citizens who made this achievement possible.” He dedicated the award to the people of Bilaspur and praised his team’s hard work.