SRINAGAR, OCT 5: The Centre is considering a possible extension in service for Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, with sources indicating that the 1989-batch AGMUT-cadre IAS officer could be granted an extension of six months or one year beyond his scheduled retirement on October 31.
According to people familiar with the development, a formal decision on the extension is yet to be taken. If approved, the move would allow Dulloo to continue as Chief Secretary beyond November 1 and defer the immediate process of appointing his successor.
The possibility of an extension comes at a time when discussions around the next Chief Secretary are understood to be underway. Shaleen Kabra, a 1992-batch AGMUT-cadre IAS officer currently serving as Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Jal Shakti, is among the names that have figured in discussions in the event Dulloo retires as scheduled, according to sources.
Dulloo, born on October 24, 1966, holds a B.Tech degree and has been serving as the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir since December 1, 2023. His tenure at the top administrative position has included oversight of major governance, development and administrative matters across the Union Territory.
A seasoned administrator, Dulloo has held several significant assignments in Jammu and Kashmir, including Financial Commissioner-level positions in the Agriculture Production and Finance departments. He has also served in important field-level administrative roles as Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Reasi.
His administrative experience also includes a period on central deputation, during which he served as Secretary, Border Management, in the Ministry of Home Affairs, handling responsibilities related to an important area of national security and border administration.
While the proposed extension could provide continuity at the highest level of the J&K administration and postpone the immediate succession exercise, the Centre’s formal decision on Dulloo’s service extension remains awaited.
