Sajjan Singh Yadav, a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1995 batch of the AGMUT cadre, is slated to assume the role of Chief Secretary for Jammu and Kashmir. This significant administrative transition is set to occur following the departure of the incumbent Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, who is nearing the end of his tenure. An official order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has confirmed Yadav’s transfer to the Union Territory to take up the prestigious position.
The appointment, effective from November 1, 2026, or the date of joining whichever is later, has generated considerable interest within the administrative circles of Jammu and Kashmir. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Yadav’s elevation to the top administrative post comes as a surprise, as he is set to supersede at least five IAS officers who are currently serving in the Union Territory and hold more seniority. This move also marks a historical moment, as Yadav will be the first IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre to hold the position of Chief Secretary in Jammu and Kashmir.
Currently, Sajjan Singh Yadav holds the position of Additional Chief Secretary within the Delhi Government. In his previous roles, he has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Delhi Jal Board, demonstrating a broad spectrum of experience in public service. His career trajectory includes significant assignments within the Central Government and various Union Territories, where he has cultivated expertise in public administration, financial management, and governance. These prior roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of administrative mechanisms at different levels of government.
Atal Dulloo, the outgoing Chief Secretary, a 1989-batch IAS officer belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, was appointed to his current role on December 1, 2023. His retirement at the close of the current month will create the vacancy that Yadav is set to fill. Dulloo’s tenure has seen him navigate various administrative challenges and initiatives within the Union Territory, contributing to its governance landscape.
Yadav’s extensive background includes pivotal roles at the national level. He has served as Special Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and as Joint Secretary in the Department of Expenditure, gaining invaluable insights into fiscal policy and resource allocation. Furthermore, his experience extends to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, where he served as Joint Secretary and Mission Director for POSHAN Abhiyaan, a national program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children and women. These central government assignments underscore his capacity to manage large-scale national initiatives and contribute to policy implementation.
Beyond his central government roles, Yadav has also held key positions in other Union Territories. He served as Adviser to the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, a testament to his adaptability and leadership in diverse administrative environments. His experience in the Delhi Government is also notable, having served as Commissioner of VAT and Commissioner of Food and Supplies. Additionally, he has held the position of Commissioner of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, showcasing his engagement with urban governance and public service delivery at the municipal level.
Academically, Sajjan Singh Yadav possesses a distinguished profile. He holds a Doctor of Public Health degree from the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His academic pursuits also include a Master of Public Affairs from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Delhi. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry degree from Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. This diverse educational background equips him with a multidisciplinary approach to public administration and policy-making.
Yadav’s contributions to the field of governance have not gone unnoticed. He was recognized with the National Award for e-Governance in 2017–18 for his outstanding performance in citizen-centric service delivery. This award highlights his commitment to leveraging technology and innovative approaches to improve public services. He has also received the President’s Medal for his exceptional work during Census operations, underscoring his dedication and meticulous approach to critical national tasks.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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