Shri Atal Dulloo, a seasoned civil servant of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has served with distinction across various departments and sectors during his expansive career. Belonging to the 1989 batch of the Jammu & Kashmir cadre, Shri Dulloo’s professional journey showcases his dedication, resilience, and ability to navigate complex administrative roles.
Born in Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Dulloo started his career soon after being inducted into the IAS through direct recruitment. His early assignments took him to some of the most challenging areas of the region. He first served as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Ladakh from August 1991 to September 1992, followed by a similar role in Reasi. His time in Ladakh, a remote and rugged region, allowed him to develop a deep understanding of land revenue management and district administration—skills that would later prove valuable in his subsequent positions.
Following his time as an SDM, he held key posts as Deputy Commissioner in several districts, including Rajouri (1995-1997), Baramulla (1997-1999), and Udhampur (2002-2003). These assignments in the Revenue Department underscored his hands-on experience in land revenue management and district administration, crucial functions of governance in the often tumultuous landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
By the late 1990s, Shri Dulloo’s leadership capabilities began to be recognized more broadly. He was appointed as Special Secretary to the General Administration Department, overseeing personnel management from 1999 to 2001. His administrative acumen continued to garner attention as he moved into the role of Secretary, Rural Development Department, in 2001. Over the next two decades, he took on increasingly senior positions, managing diverse portfolios including health, finance, agriculture, and tourism.
His expertise in personnel and general administration was again evident when he served as the Commissioner and Secretary for the Health and Family Welfare Department multiple times during his career, starting in 2008. His oversight of the department came at crucial moments, requiring him to focus on health policy, public health infrastructure, and medical education.
As he moved into more senior roles, Shri Dulloo demonstrated his versatility, taking on positions across various sectors. In the mid-2010s, he was assigned to key departments such as Science and Technology, Tourism, and Rural Development at both the state and central levels. His role as Commissioner and Secretary for the Science and Technology Department from January to May 2010 allowed him to contribute to initiatives that fostered innovation and scientific research.
From 2013 to 2018, Shri Dulloo held the role of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development at the central level, a tenure that spanned five years. This long-term deputation gave him significant exposure to rural development issues at the national level, working on policies aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods and infrastructure.
One of the most pivotal periods in Shri Dulloo’s career came when he was appointed as the Financial Commissioner in the Finance Department in 2021. This role placed him at the helm of fiscal management for the state, dealing with issues of budgeting, revenue generation, and economic planning. He also held the position of Financial Commissioner in the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department from May 2022 to June 2023, focusing on boosting the agricultural economy and improving animal husbandry practices in Jammu & Kashmir.
Before his finance tenure, Shri Dulloo was at the forefront of managing the state’s healthcare system during the critical period of 2019-2021 as the Financial Commissioner for Health, Medical Services, and Medical Education. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic proved crucial in steering Jammu & Kashmir’s health response, particularly in strengthening the state’s medical infrastructure and ensuring effective medical education policies.
In July 2023, Shri Dulloo transitioned to a central deputation, where he was appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, specifically handling Border Management. His tenure in this role is scheduled to end in November 2023, during which he focused on security and administrative challenges related to India’s borders, a vital area of national interest, particularly given Jammu & Kashmir’s sensitive geopolitical location.
Following this assignment, Shri Dulloo was appointed Chief Secretary to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir in December 2023, a position he holds at present. As Chief Secretary, he now plays a critical role in overseeing the administration of the union territory, addressing key areas such as personnel management, governance reforms, and the overall development agenda for Jammu & Kashmir.
A graduate in Civil Engineering, Shri Dulloo was awarded a silver medal during his academic tenure. Over the years, he has also participated in various domestic and international training programs. In 2016, he completed the prestigious Phase V Mid Career Training Programme, an initiative designed for senior civil servants. His foreign training includes a specialized course on ethics and governance at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2014, and healthcare policy management training in South Korea in 2009.
Shri Dulloo has been recognized for his commitment to public service on multiple occasions. In 2013, he received a state award for meritorious public service on Republic Day, highlighting his contributions to personnel management. Earlier, in 1996, he was awarded a silver medal for successfully conducting elections in Jammu & Kashmir—an achievement of immense importance in the state’s complex political landscape.
Shri Atal Dulloo’s career is a testament to his versatility, resilience, and dedication to public service. From managing district-level administration to leading state departments and handling crucial portfolios at the central level, his journey reflects a deep commitment to governance and development. His leadership roles across health, finance, and agriculture, coupled with his strategic contributions at the national level, have positioned him as a key figure in the administrative landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
