TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 23, 2024: A lecture on “Challenges of Election Management and Experience of Past Elections” was held today at the Naveen Vishram Grih, Civil Lines, under the leadership of Shri Suyogya Kumar Mishra, President and retired Chief Secretary of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Chhattisgarh Branch. The event featured Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh, Ms. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, as the keynote speaker.
Ms. Kangale emphasized the significance of the year 2024 in the global electoral landscape, noting that over 4 billion people across 80 countries will participate in elections. She highlighted India’s prominent role, as the world’s largest democracy, in managing such a massive electoral process. Ms. Kangale also underscored Chhattisgarh’s contribution, particularly in areas affected by Maoist activity, where peaceful voting was achieved despite significant challenges.
She credited the success of the elections in Chhattisgarh to meticulous planning, comparing the management of elections to disaster management. The state saw voter turnout surpass national averages, with 76% in the Vidhan Sabha and 78% in the Lok Sabha elections. Ms. Kangale praised the dedication of security forces, election officials, and voters, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Bastar.
The lecture also marked the official establishment of the IIPA’s Chhattisgarh Branch, following its registration as a society. The branch, led by Shri Suyogya Kumar Mishra, will focus on management training and disseminating information related to public administration in Chhattisgarh.
The event concluded with discussions from various officials, including Shri Ajay Singh and Shri Anoop Srivastava, who expressed their appreciation for Ms. Kangale’s insights and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to strengthen public administration in the state.
