The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the AGMUT cadre, Sajjan Singh Yadav as the new chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. He will take over from November 1, 2026 from Atal Dulloo who is scheduled to retire on 31 October.
The official order from the MHA says that after getting permission from the competent authority, Yadav has been shifted from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir.
The order said that its inception would be from November first, 2026 or the date it becomes a reality, whichever is later.
Yadav to Succeed Atal Dulloo
The retired Dulloo, who joined the IAS in 1989, will complete 36 years service to the Union Territory on October 31.
Sajjan Singh Yadav has been appointed as the administration readies itself for a leadership change at its higher echelons. He will also be handling administrative matters and duties of government departments and ensure that administrative policies are implemented throughout Jammu and Kashmir as chief secretary.
The chief secretary is an important figure in facilitating coordination amongst departments, advising the elected government and administration and is the point of contact for the monitoring of key development projects and initiatives in governance.
Official Transfer Order Issued
MHA’s order comes to a formal confirmation of Yadav’s transfer from Delhi to the valley for the top. The date of his appointment will be the first day of November, subject to the provision of joining-dates as contained in the order.
The change will enable Yadav to be in the midst of all the administrative machinery of the Union Territory, and will ensure continuity in government after Dulloo’s retirement.
The order did not say what Yadav’s priorities were going to be immediately after the handover.