Srinagar, Nov 29: In a significant development, the Union Home Ministry granted approval on Wednesday for the appointment of seasoned IAS officer Atal Dulloo as the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dulloo, an officer from the 1989 batch in the Union Territories cadre, is set to assume office on December 1, 2023, or from the date of taking charge, whichever is later, following the superannuation of Arun Kumar Mehta on November 30, 2023.
A Ministry of Home Affairs order stated, “Consequent upon the superannuation of Arun Kumar Mehta, IAS (AGMUT:1988), on November 30, 2023, and on repatriation from Central Deputation, Atal Dulloo, IAS (AGMUT: 1988), is hereby appointed as Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir w.e.f. December 1, 2023, or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later, and until further orders.”
Currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Border Management under the Home Ministry, Dulloo brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His distinguished career has seen him in various capacities, including Secretary of Border Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperation in the Ministry of Agriculture, and Director of Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Born on October 2, 1966, in Jammu and Kashmir, Dulloo completed his schooling in the region and holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
Dulloo, recognised for his transformative leadership, has been instrumental in implementing significant reforms in the health sector. His contributions include improving infrastructure, human resources, and the overall quality of health services.
Pertinent to mention, he has played a key role in the effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing proactive measures, robust testing, tracing, treatment, and vaccination efforts.
The distinguished officer’s accolades include the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2008 and the Chief Minister’s Gold Medal for Honesty, Integrity, and Meritorious Public Service in 2016.
Given his extensive background in health and medical education, Atal Dulloo is expected to further strengthen the public health system and human resources in Jammu and Kashmir, addressing ongoing challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
