The central government’s decision to appoint senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Atal Dulloo as the new chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, effective December 1, marks a significant development in the administrative landscape of the region. Dulloo, a 1988-batch officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, is slated to assume charge following the retirement of the incumbent chief secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, also a 1988-batch AGMUT cadre officer, retiring on Thursday.
Currently serving as the secretary in the Department of Border Management under the Union Home Ministry, Atal Dulloo brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. His previous assignments in Jammu and Kashmir, including positions as additional chief secretary and financial commissioner, underscore his seasoned expertise in governance and public administration.
Notably, Dulloo played a pivotal role in managing the challenging circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 within Jammu and Kashmir. His adept handling of the crisis saw significant enhancements in the region’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring sufficient availability of oxygen cylinders to cater to the needs of patients in the Union Territory.
Having served extensively in Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo emerges as the most senior officer in the region after the departure of Arun Kumar Mehta, showcasing his familiarity with the region’s administrative landscape and challenges.
Earlier this year, Dulloo was entrusted with a crucial central deputation as the secretary in the Department of Border Management, aligning with the home ministry’s request to serve in his parent cadre.
The appointment of Atal Dulloo as the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir stands as a testament to his commendable administrative acumen and his commitment to addressing critical challenges, particularly during the pandemic. His new role signifies a pivotal chapter in steering the administrative affairs of the Union Territory towards progress and effective governance.
Sources By Agencies
