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In a significant development, the central government has named Atal Dulloo as the incoming chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, effective from December 1. Dulloo, a seasoned 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, will assume office following the superannuation of the current chief secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta, also a 1988-batch AGMUT cadre officer, set to retire on Thursday.
Currently serving as the secretary in the Department of Border Management under the Union home ministry, Dulloo brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having previously held diverse roles in Jammu and Kashmir, including additional chief secretary and financial commissioner, he stands as the most senior officer in the region after Mehta.
Dulloo’s administrative prowess came to the forefront during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. His leadership was pivotal in ramping up the health infrastructure and ensuring an abundant supply of oxygen cylinders to patients in the Union Territory. These efforts showcased his commitment to public welfare and effective crisis management.
Earlier this year, Dulloo embarked on a central deputation as the secretary in the Department of Border Management, returning to his parent cadre at the behest of the home ministry. This latest appointment underlines the government’s trust in his capabilities to steer administrative affairs in Jammu and Kashmir.
