Atal Dulloo IAS, Current Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir

Atal Dulloo, born on October 24, 1966, in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is the current Chief Secretary, appointed in November 2023, and is the first local to hold this position since 2017.
He is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi, ranking 8th in the AIEEE in 1984.
Dulloo has held various key roles, including Financial Commissioner of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributed to agriculture and tourism development.
His leadership during crises and focus on local governance have been widely recognized, earning awards like the State Award for Meritorious Work in 2013.
As of April 7, 2025, he continues to address regional challenges like power shortages and environmental protection.

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Background and Early Life

Atal Dulloo’s journey began in Kulgam, a district in south Kashmir, where he was born on October 24, 1966. His family later moved to Srinagar and then Delhi, exposing him to diverse cultures. This background likely shaped his understanding of both local and broader administrative needs. Academically, he excelled, securing the 8th rank in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) in 1984 and earning a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi. At just 22, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1988 on his first attempt, joining the IAS in the AGMUT cadre with Jammu and Kashmir as his home base.

Career Highlights

Dulloo’s career spans decades of impactful service. Starting as an Assistant Commissioner in Srinagar, he rose through roles like Deputy Commissioner in Anantnag, Kupwara, and Jammu, and Director of Industries and Commerce. His tenure as Financial Commissioner of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly notable, where he led efforts to bolster medical infrastructure and vaccination drives, earning praise for crisis management. He also served as Secretary of Tourism and Culture, promoting the region’s heritage, and as Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture, contributing to the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP). His central deputations included positions like Secretary of Border Management under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Leadership and Achievements

Appointed Chief Secretary on November 29, 2023, Dulloo became the first local to hold this post since 2017, succeeding Arun Kumar Mehta. His leadership focuses on addressing power shortages, sanitation, environmental protection, and corruption. Recognized with the State Award for Meritorious Work in 2013 and a Silver Medal in 1996 for election conduct, his contributions extend to modernizing governance and fostering economic growth. His book, The Making of Ladakh, reflects his intellectual depth.

Detailed Biography of Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir

Atal Dulloo’s ascent to the position of Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir is a narrative of perseverance, intellectual rigor, and dedicated public service, rooted in the region’s unique socio-political landscape. As of April 7, 2025, his tenure continues to shape the administrative trajectory of a region marked by both natural beauty and complex governance challenges. This detailed exploration covers his early life, career milestones, leadership during crises, and vision for the future, providing a comprehensive view of his contributions.

Early Life and Educational Journey

Born on October 24, 1966, in Kulgam, a district in south Kashmir, Atal Dulloo grew up amidst the region’s verdant valleys and intricate socio-economic dynamics. His family’s moves to Srinagar and later Delhi exposed him to diverse cultural and administrative perspectives, likely influencing his approach to governance. Dulloo’s academic excellence was evident early on, securing the 8th rank in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) in 1984, a testament to his intellectual prowess. He pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, a prestigious institution known for shaping India’s technical elite.

However, Dulloo’s ambitions extended beyond engineering. At the age of 22, in 1988, he cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination on his first attempt, a feat that underscores his determination and strategic preparation. This success led to his induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as part of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, with Jammu and Kashmir as his home base, setting the stage for a career deeply intertwined with the region’s development.

Career Trajectory: A Tapestry of Roles

Dulloo’s IAS career is marked by a series of pivotal roles that highlight his versatility and commitment to public service. His early posting as an Assistant Commissioner in Srinagar provided grassroots exposure, laying the foundation for his administrative acumen. Over the years, he served in various capacities, each role adding to his reputation as a problem-solver and leader:

Deputy Commissioner: Held positions in Anantnag, Kupwara, and Jammu, addressing local governance challenges with a hands-on approach. These roles involved managing land disputes, public welfare schemes, and law enforcement in districts with diverse needs.
Director of Industries and Commerce: Focused on fostering economic growth, crucial for a region seeking to balance tourism with industrial development.
Secretary of Tourism and Culture: Promoted Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage on national and global stages, enhancing its appeal as a cultural and tourist destination.
Commissioner of Commercial Taxes: Streamlined revenue systems, ensuring fiscal efficiency and transparency.
Principal Secretary of Finance: Managed fiscal policies during critical periods, balancing budgets amidst regional challenges.
Financial Commissioner of Health and Medical Education: Led transformative health initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning widespread recognition.
Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture: Championed the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), aiming to revolutionize agriculture and boost farmer incomes.

His central deputations further broadened his perspective, including roles like Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development, Secretary of Border Management under the Ministry of Home Affairs (before his repatriation in November 2023), and Director of Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir. These experiences honed his strategic vision, preparing him for the complexities of leading an entire administration.

Leadership During Crises: The COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the defining chapters of Dulloo’s career was his tenure as Financial Commissioner of Health and Medical Education during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus swept through Jammu and Kashmir, Dulloo emerged as a steady hand, coordinating efforts to bolster medical infrastructure. He ensured oxygen supplies reached hospitals, expanded healthcare facilities, and led a robust vaccination campaign. His decisive actions and calm demeanor mitigated the crisis’s impact, earning him accolades as a leader who thrived under pressure. This period not only showcased his crisis management skills but also solidified his reputation as a reliable administrator, a quality that proved invaluable when he assumed the role of Chief Secretary.

Historic Appointment as Chief Secretary

On November 29, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed Atal Dulloo as the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, succeeding Arun Kumar Mehta, who retired on November 30, 2023. Dulloo took charge on December 1, 2023, marking a historic moment. As the first local officer to hold this position since B.R. Sharma’s tenure ended in 2017, his appointment symbolized a return to local leadership in a region long seeking representation. Political parties, employee unions, and citizens welcomed the decision, viewing Dulloo as a leader who understands the region’s unique challenges and aspirations.

Since taking office, Dulloo has tackled pressing issues with a clear vision. His priorities include addressing power shortages, enhancing sanitation, safeguarding the environment, and rooting out corruption. His leadership style, characterized by integrity, discipline, and a focus on results, has set a new tone for governance in Jammu and Kashmir, fostering hope for improved administrative efficiency and public welfare.

Achievements and Recognitions

Dulloo’s contributions have been recognized through various awards, reflecting his ability to deliver impactful results. Notable among them are:

Award	Year	Details
State Award for Meritorious Work	2013	Conferred on Republic Day for exemplary service
Silver Medal	1996	Awarded for successfully conducting assembly elections
Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP)	–	Played a key role in formulation, boosting agriculture
Pandemic Response Recognition	–	Recognized for expanding health infrastructure during COVID-19

These accolades underscore his multifaceted contributions, from electoral management to crisis response and agricultural innovation. Additionally, Dulloo’s intellectual pursuits extend to writing, with his book The Making of Ladakh offering insights into the region’s history and culture, further highlighting his depth as a public servant.

Personal Life: A Balanced Perspective

Beyond his professional achievements, Atal Dulloo is a man of balance and depth. He is married to Dr. Shashi Dulloo, a respected gynecologist and obstetrician, and together they have two sons, Aditya and Abhinav, pursuing higher studies in the United States. Dulloo’s personal interests reflect a well-rounded personality: he is an avid reader, a writer, and a traveler, with a particular fondness for badminton and golf. These pursuits complement his demanding career, offering a glimpse into a leader who values both professional rigor and personal growth.

Vision for the Future: Steering Jammu and Kashmir Forward

As Chief Secretary, Dulloo faces a landscape rife with challenges and opportunities. Power generation remains a priority, given the region’s reliance on electricity for economic activities. Sustainable development is another focus, especially in a region vulnerable to environmental shifts. His agenda includes modernizing infrastructure, improving public services, and fostering economic growth while preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural and natural heritage. With his extensive experience and local roots, Dulloo is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between policy and people, driving progress with empathy and foresight.

Conclusion: A Leader for the Times

Atal Dulloo’s journey from a young boy in Kulgam to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir—is a narrative of perseverance, intellect, and service. His appointment as the first local Chief Secretary since 2017 has rekindled hope in a region seeking leaders who reflect its identity. As of April 7, 2025, Dulloo continues to lead with integrity, leaving an indelible mark on Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative history. His story is not just one of personal triumph but a promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for the land he calls home.