Dr Bhan Elected Patron, B R Sharma Chairman
Srinagar : This week, the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Regional Branch (IIPA–J&K RB), on Friday held its 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), reaffirming its commitment to capacity building, inclusive governance, and public administration research. The meeting witnessed the unanimous re-election of Shri B. R. Sharma as Chairman for a fresh two-year term and the nomination of Dr Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd), as Patron of the Branch. The AGM was attended by over 70 members, including participants from Kashmir who joined the proceedings through video conferencing, reflecting the Branch’s inclusive and region-wide engagement.
Election Of Office Bearers: The General Body unanimously approved the election of a new team of office bearers representing Jammu, Kashmir and the Central region. Er J. B. S. Johar was elected Vice Chairman (Jammu), Dr G. N. Qasba as Vice Chairman (Kashmir), and K. B. Jandial as Vice Chairman (Central). Prof Alka Sharma was elected Honorary Secretary, while Vikrant Kuthiala was chosen as Honorary Treasurer. Prof Anil Gupta and G. M. Andrabi were elected Joint Secretaries representing Jammu and Kashmir respectively. Er M. M. Gupta was appointed Director, Seminars, with Manoj Kumar Pandita and Prof Nasir Iqbal Bhat serving as Joint Directors, Seminars from Jammu and Kashmir. The election process was conducted by Dr Arun Manhas, Director Industries, Jammu, and a life member of the IIPA–J&K Regional Branch, who served as the Returning Officer.
Executive Committee Constituted: Following his re-election, Chairman B. R. Sharma nominated a 15-member Executive Committee to assist in steering the activities of the Branch. The committee comprises Kuldeep Khoda, A. M. Watali, Dr C. M. Seth, Prof Rekha Choudhary, Prem Gupta, Manoj Prabhakar, Khawaja Bashir Ahmed, Narinder Khajuria, Seema Bhari, Rajeshwar Singh, Vinod Kumar Padha, Ansuya Jamwal, Nissar Ahmed, Bashir Ahmad Shah and Mubashir Amin Khan. The committee brings together a diverse mix of former senior administrators, academicians and professionals, aimed at strengthening the Branch’s multidisciplinary approach to public administration.
Annual Report, Accounts Approved: Presenting the Annual Report, Honorary Secretary Prof Alka Sharma highlighted the Branch’s academic and professional activities during the previous year. She noted that the number and quality of programmes organised in 2025 surpassed those held in 2024, with a greater emphasis on contemporary governance challenges, policy discourse and capacity-building initiatives. Prof Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, presented the Statement of Accounts for the financial year 2024–25 on behalf of Honorary Treasurer Vikrant Kuthiala. After detailed discussions, the General Body unanimously approved both the Annual Report and the financial statements.
Income Tax Registration Secured: Informing the members of a significant institutional milestone, Prof Alka Sharma said the IIPA–J&K Regional Branch has been granted registration under Section 12AB(1)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, by the Income Tax Department. The registration has been accorded for a period of ten years, from Assessment Year 2027–28 to 2036–37. The development was widely appreciated by the members, who described it as a major step towards strengthening the Branch’s financial and operational sustainability.
Chairman Outlines Roadmap: Addressing the AGM, Chairman B. R. Sharma lauded the collective efforts of the Branch over the past two years and outlined a forward-looking roadmap. He said the focus in the coming term would be on capacity building, inclusive development and research-oriented initiatives relevant to governance and public administration. He emphasised the need to expand outreach programmes across the Union Territory, deepen engagement with youth, and strengthen collaboration with universities, research institutions and training bodies to enhance the Branch’s academic footprint.
Patron Calls For Golden Jubilee Celebrations: In his address, Patron Dr Ashok Bhan expressed satisfaction with the performance and growth of the J&K Regional Branch. He said the Branch holds immense potential to scale new heights through innovation, inclusivity and member participation. Highlighting that 2028 will mark the Golden Jubilee of the IIPA J&K Regional Branch, Dr Bhan stressed the need to celebrate the milestone in a befitting manner. He suggested organising mega academic and professional programmes in both Jammu and Kashmir and urged members to actively contribute ideas and initiatives for the celebrations.
Strengthening Public Administration Discourse: The AGM concluded with a renewed resolve to strengthen the role of the IIPA–J&K Regional Branch as a platform for dialogue, research and training in public administration. Members expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chairman B. R. Sharma and Patron Dr Ashok Bhan, the Branch would continue to play a meaningful role in promoting good governance and public policy discourse in the region.
