Madhusudan Dash, the District Collector of Nuapada, was honored with a national award for his exceptional contribution to election management and logistics.
This recognition was bestowed by the President of India Droupadi Murmu during the National Voters’ Day celebrations held in Delhi Cantonment at the Maneksa Center.
Award for Excellence in Election Management
The prestigious award, presented under the National Voters’ Day 2026, acknowledges Nuapada district’s outstanding efforts in ensuring free, fair, and efficient elections. This marks the first time that Nuapada district has earned such a high-level national recognition for its flawless election conduct.
The award was granted in the best district category for its comprehensive, well-coordinated approach to election management, especially in challenging and remote regions.
Key Strategies and Achievements
Under the leadership of Collector Madhusudan Dash, Nuapada district successfully organized a smooth and transparent election process for the Nuapada Legislative Assembly by-election. Key strategies included:
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Helicopter-based logistics: Used innovatively to overcome transportation challenges in the Maoist-affected areas, ensuring access to remote polling stations.
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Hybrid transportation model: Combining air and ground transport for seamless connectivity, which proved highly effective in difficult terrain.
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Creation of a permanent helipad at Sunabeda to support swift transportation of election materials and personnel.
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Increased voter participation: With a focus on inclusivity, the district achieved an impressive 83.45% voter turnout, making it the top performer in the country for the day.
Additionally, a 100% polling team was deployed, ensuring that every voter had access to the polling booths without any disruptions.
Technology and Innovation
Nuapada’s election administration leveraged cutting-edge technology and information systems to track voter participation and streamline the process. This tech-based approach enabled the efficient handling of electoral data, ultimately resulting in the district’s stellar performance.
This comprehensive election management system set a national standard for future elections, demonstrating how effective coordination and technological advancements can overcome geographical and logistical challenges.
