MHA Appoints Top Kashmiri Bureaucrat Atal Dulloo as J&K Chief Secretary

Srinagar: In a significant development, the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday announced the appointment of Atal Dulloo, a distinguished IAS officer from the 1989 batch, as the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir.
An order issued by Union Home Ministry reads “Following the superannuation of Arun Kumar Mehta, IAS (AGMUT:1988), on 30.11.2023, and on repatriation from Central Deputation, Atal Dulloo, IAS (AGMUT: 1988), is appointed as Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir effective from 01.12.2023, or from the date of assuming charge, whichever is later, and until further orders.”
Atal Dulloo, currently serving as the Secretary Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), brings with him a wealth of experiences and a stellar career in public service fulkl of bureaucratic brilliance and professional distinction.
Dulloo, a member of the Kashmiri Pandit community, joined the IAS in 1989 and embarked on his career in Srinagar as an Assistant Commissioner. His journey in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir IAS cadre includes his roles such as Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Director Industries and Commerce, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Principal Secretary Finance, and Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education. During his tenure, Atal Dulloo spent valuable time on deputation in the central government during which he held with distinction key positions including Secretary Border Management at Ministry Of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary Agriculture and Cooperation at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Director Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the highlights of Dulloo’s career has been his transformative leadership in the health sector. Recognized for spearheading significant reforms, he has hugely contributed in enhancing infrastructure, human resources, and the quality of health services in the region. His proactive approach in combating COVID-19 was greatly acknowledged from both the top helmsmen of Jammu & Kashmir and as well as the top healthcare profession and the people as his focus during the high intensity Covid periods remained on robust testing, tracing, treatment, and vaccination efforts. Dulloo’s contributions extend to the promotion of medical education, research, and innovation in the region.
Born on October 24, 1966, in Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo completed his schooling in the region and holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. He has been an outstanding student, securing the eighth position in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) in 1984. Notably, he received a gold medal from IIT Delhi for academic distinction. Atal Dulloo during his exemplary career has won many prestigious awards of distinction including 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. In 2020, The Indian Express named him one of the 50 Most Influential Indians. The appointment of Atal Dulloo as the Chief Secretary is anticipated to bring a renewed focus and strategic leadership to the administration of Jammu and Kashmir, given his proven track record of excellence and professional brilliance public service.