Race for Next J&K Chief Secretary Intensifies as Atal Dulloo Nears Retirement
Oct 1st, 2026 7:08 pm | By ThenewsmanofIndia.com | Category: TOP STORIES
By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM|Shaleen Kabra Emerges as a Potential Contender as Centre Explores Options
NEW DELHI: With Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo set to retire on October 31, 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is understood to have begun exploring options for his successor. The appointment is expected to involve consultations with Lok Bhawan, with seniority and suitability guiding the selection.
Although AGMUT cadre officers are likely to dominate the field, the possibility of an officer from another cadre being considered through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) cannot be ruled out.
The seniority landscape significantly narrows the list of potential candidates. The 1989-batch AGMUT officers Atal Dulloo and G Narendra Kumar are retiring in October and September 2026, respectively, while Rajendra Kumar is due to retire on December 31, 2026. Jitendra Narain, the sole 1990-batch officer, is also retiring on October 31, effectively limiting the scope for selection from these batches.
Among the senior officers, Shaleen Kabra of the 1992 batch has emerged as a notable contender. Belonging to the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir cadre, Kabra has been serving as Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner in the Union Territory since December 2023. His extensive administrative experience and familiarity with the region place him in a potentially advantageous position.
Other senior officers include Vijay Kumar, Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Rajeev Kumar, Chief Secretary of Delhi. Their current assignments and, in Rajeev Kumar’s case, proximity to retirement may influence the prospects of a move to J&K.
The 1993 batch also offers options, including Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary in the Union Health Ministry, and Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Meanwhile, government sources indicate that Dulloo is among two to three IAS and IPS officers being considered for the chairmanship of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission.
The final choice will reflect the Centre’s assessment of administrative priorities and leadership requirements in the Union Territory.
