- Key Points:
- Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz is an IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre (2014 batch).
- He served as District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Jamtara, Jharkhand.
- He initiated a transformative “library movement” to combat cybercrime and promote education.
- His efforts led to the establishment of libraries in all 118 panchayats of Jamtara.
- Limited information is available about his personal background, such as education or early life.
- A controversy exists regarding an alleged incident during a Republic Day celebration, though details are debated and unverified.
Who is Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz?
Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz is a dedicated Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer known for his innovative governance in Jamtara, Jharkhand. As District Magistrate, he gained recognition for transforming the district, previously infamous for cybercrimes like phishing, into a hub for education and community development through the establishment of community libraries.
Professional Journey
Mumtaz joined the IAS in 2014 and has held various roles in Jharkhand, including Transport Commissioner and Deputy Development Commissioner of Garhwa district. His most notable contribution came during his tenure in Jamtara, where he addressed the district’s challenges with a focus on education and social reform.
The Library Movement
In Jamtara, Mumtaz launched a groundbreaking initiative to convert abandoned government buildings into community libraries. Starting in November 2020, he established libraries across all 118 panchayats, providing rural youth with access to educational resources and a constructive alternative to cybercrime. These libraries, funded through crowd-sourcing and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, have become symbols of hope and progress.
Impact and Recognition
Mumtaz’s work has empowered local youth, with individuals like Mohammed Firoz Ansari and Azharuddin benefiting from the libraries to pursue higher education and competitive exams. His efforts were recognized at The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards, highlighting his innovative approach to governance. However, a reported controversy in 2022, where he allegedly did not salute the national flag during a Republic Day event, has sparked debate, though the claims remain unverified and sensitive.
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Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz: The IAS Officer Redefining Jamtara’s Future
Introduction
Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Jharkhand cadre of 2014, has emerged as a beacon of transformative governance. His tenure as District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Jamtara, Jharkhand, marked a turning point for a region once synonymous with cybercrime. Through his visionary “library movement,” Mumtaz has redefined Jamtara’s identity, fostering education and community empowerment. This biography explores his professional journey, his groundbreaking initiatives, and the lasting impact of his work, while acknowledging the limited information available about his personal background.
Early Career and Background
While detailed information about Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz’s early life, education, and family remains scarce in public records, his professional trajectory showcases a commitment to public service. As a member of the 2014 Jharkhand IAS cadre, Mumtaz began his career with roles that honed his administrative skills. He served as the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) of Garhwa district and later as the Transport Commissioner of Jharkhand, positions that equipped him with the experience to tackle complex regional challenges. His transfer to Jamtara as District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner in July 2020 marked the beginning of his most impactful work .
The Jamtara Challenge
Jamtara, a district in Jharkhand, was once celebrated for its association with social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who dedicated his later years to uplifting the region’s tribal and underprivileged communities. However, by the 2010s, Jamtara had gained notoriety as India’s “phishing capital,” with cybercrimes like fraudulent phone calls costing victims, including high-profile individuals like Amitabh Bachchan and Preneet Kaur, significant financial losses . Mumtaz recognized that addressing this issue required more than law enforcement; it demanded a cultural and educational shift to engage the youth in constructive pursuits.
The Library Movement: A Beacon of Hope
In November 2020, Mumtaz launched an ambitious initiative to transform abandoned government buildings into community libraries across Jamtara’s 118 panchayats. Within three months, he had converted 30 dilapidated structures into functional libraries, with a goal to cover all panchayats by mid-2021. By early 2021, approximately 100 libraries were operational, with the remaining soon to follow.
Implementation and Features
Each library was equipped with essential amenities, including:
- Infrastructure: Running water, electricity, emergency lights, water filters, bookcases, blackboards, and carpeted floors.
- Funding: A combination of crowd-funding, CSR funds, and allocations from the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, with costs ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 2.50 lakh per library.
- Community Management: Local committees, comprising elected librarians, presidents, and treasurers, managed daily operations. Bank accounts were opened for each library to collect public contributions for books and maintenance .
- Educational Support: Teachers were appointed for subjects like mathematics and English, and classes were organized to prepare youth for competitive exams. Motivational sessions by administration and police volunteers further encouraged engagement.
Mumtaz’s vision was to create accessible spaces where rural youth could study without needing to migrate to urban centers. He described these libraries as “temples and mosques” of learning, emphasizing their role in fostering a new societal ethos .
Community Impact
The library movement had a transformative effect on Jamtara’s youth. For example:
- Mohammed Firoz Ansari, an MTech graduate from Lucknow University, utilized the libraries to further his studies.
- Azharuddin, a B.A. graduate, passed the Jharkhand Panchayat Secretary Appointment Examination, crediting the resources available at these libraries .
By providing educational opportunities, the initiative offered an alternative to cybercrime, addressing the root causes of Jamtara’s negative reputation. The libraries also benefited girls and fostered community ownership, as locals took pride in managing these spaces.
Other Contributions
Beyond libraries, Mumtaz initiated elder club projects across Jamtara’s six blocks to support senior citizens. These clubs provided monthly health check-ups and social engagement for a nominal membership fee of Rs 50 or Rs 100, enhancing community welfare. He also renovated old panchayat buildings and Anganwadi centers, further improving local infrastructure.
Recognition and Awards
Mumtaz’s innovative governance earned him significant recognition. His library initiative was celebrated at The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards, where it was highlighted as a model for addressing social challenges through education . Media outlets, including The New Indian Express and The Cognate, praised his efforts for their scale and impact, noting that Jamtara’s transformation could serve as a case study for other regions.
Vision for Governance
Mumtaz’s approach to governance emphasizes community participation and sustainable development. By involving locals in managing libraries and elder clubs, he fostered a sense of ownership and accountability. His use of crowd-funding and inter-departmental collaboration, such as with the Public Health Department for water facilities and the electricity department for power supply, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to resource mobilization . His vision aligns with creating inclusive spaces that empower marginalized communities, particularly youth and the elderly.
Conclusion
Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz’s tenure in Jamtara exemplifies how innovative governance can transform a region’s trajectory. His library movement not only addressed the scourge of cybercrime but also restored Jamtara’s legacy as a center for learning and progress. While his personal background remains less documented, his professional achievements speak volumes about his dedication to public service. As he continues his career, Mumtaz’s work serves as an inspiring model for administrators seeking to drive meaningful change.
Key Achievements Table
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Position | IAS Officer, District Magistrate & Deputy Commissioner, Jamtara (2020–2022) |
Key Initiative | Established 118 community libraries across Jamtara’s panchayats |
Funding | Crowd-funding, CSR, 14th/15th Finance Commissions (Rs 60,000–2.50 lakh per library) |
Community Impact | Empowered youth (e.g., Mohammed Firoz Ansari, Azharuddin), reduced cybercrime |
Other Projects | Elder clubs, renovated panchayat buildings, and Anganwadi centers |
Recognition | The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards |