Dr. Jitendra Singh Hosts AGMUT Officers, Celebrates J&K Legacy & Service Bonds

More than just a formal interaction, the event was infused with camaraderie and reflection, rekindling professional friendships rooted in years of challenging service in J&K.

In a heartwarming and nostalgic gesture, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and MoS for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, hosted a special luncheon for Delhi-based Jammu & Kashmir AGMUT cadre officers at his official residence in the national capital.

The gathering brought together IAS, IPS, IFoS, DANICS, and Secretariat Service officers from across batches who have served in the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir Cadre — now part of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre following the 2019 administrative reorganization.

---

Reuniting with Shared Memories of Service

More than just a formal interaction, the event was infused with camaraderie and reflection, rekindling professional friendships rooted in years of challenging service in J&K. The officers reminisced about their first postings in remote districts, turbulent periods of insurgency, and landmark development initiatives — sharing stories of courage, resilience, and administrative innovation.

“It’s not just the work we remember — it's the bonds we built while doing it,” remarked one senior officer.

This informal luncheon continues a tradition started by Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has long believed in the power of personal interaction as a tool to foster trust and strengthen coordination in governance.

---

A Tradition of Ground-Level Connection

Dr. Singh recalled the 2014 initiative under the Modi Government in which senior officers were encouraged to return to their first districts of posting to assess developmental progress.

“This practice wasn’t just about metrics. It was about rekindling the emotional connection to public service,” he said, adding that such visits brought new insights and reinforced the long-term responsibility of governance.

Dr. Singh hailed the spirit of officers who served during the peak of militancy in the 1990s and early 2000s, acknowledging their bravery and dedication.

“Your work under fire built the bridge to today’s peace and progress,” he noted.

---

J&K: From Conflict to Growth Engine

The Minister emphasized the emerging role of Jammu & Kashmir as a growth frontier in India’s rise to a top global economy. He cited recent milestones that reflect the region’s transformation:

• The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge

• The Lithium discovery in Reasi district, critical for India’s green energy goals

• The Purple Revolution of lavender farming, which is empowering rural youth and women entrepreneurs across districts like Bhaderwah and Pulwama

“J&K is no longer just a story of security. It’s now a story of startups, science, and self-reliance,” Dr. Singh declared.

---

Emphasis on Humane and Accessible Governance

The Minister encouraged officers to move away from rigid bureaucratic hierarchies and adopt a more direct, humane style of administration.

“I often reach out personally to officers. It builds trust and accelerates results — especially when public welfare is at stake,” he said.

He described leadership as being most effective when it listens, stating:

“Accessibility and empathy are no longer optional — they’re governance essentials.”

Officers echoed this sentiment, commending Dr. Singh’s consistent engagement from his early days in Jammu & Kashmir to his current tenure in Delhi. One participant noted:

“This is a rare example of political leadership staying deeply connected to the bureaucratic community.”

---

A Distinguished Gathering of Officers

The event brought together an esteemed cross-section of All India Services officers:

From the IAS:

• Shri Navin Kumar Choudhary (1994)

• Shri Manoj Kumar Dwivedi (1997)

• Shri Hirdesh Kumar & Smt. Sarita Chauhan (1999)

• Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu (2003)

• Shri Pandurang K. Pole (2004)

• Shri Simrandeep Singh (2008)

• Smt. Sushma Chauhan (2009)

• Shri Shah Faesal (2010)

• Shri Sheikh Arshad Ayub (2013)

From DANICS/Secretariat Services:

• Shri Preetpal Singh (2000)

• Shri Naveen Kumar Shah (2000)

• Shri Rushal Garg (2018)

From the IPS:

• Shri Pankaj Saxena (1992)

• Shri Rajesh Kumar (1995)

• Shri Mukesh Singh (1996)

• Shri Danesh Rana, Shri Viplav Kumar Choudhary, Shri Vijay Kumar (1997)

• Shri Abdul Ghani Mir, Shri S.P. Pani (2000)

• Shri Keshav Ram Chourasia (2003)

• Shri Atul Kumar (2004)

• Shri Amit Kumar (2006)

• Shri Abdul Jabbar (2008)

• Shri Ambarkar Shriram (2011)

• Shri Sandeep Choudhary (2012)

• Shri Chandan Kohli (2013)

Additional attendees included Shri Sandeep Gupta and Shri Sheikh Arshad Ayub, whose presence enriched the dialogue with fresh perspectives from recent field assignments.

---

Strengthening a Culture of Collaborative Leadership

Dr. Singh’s remarks emphasized that personal familiarity among officers plays a pivotal role in efficient inter-departmental coordination. He encouraged open feedback, promising continued support in addressing administrative and regional challenges.

“Our governance must be as dynamic as our challenges — and as inclusive as our democracy,” he said.

He concluded the gathering by reiterating the importance of continuity, mentorship, and institutional memory in shaping the future of Indian administration.

This informal yet impactful luncheon exemplified how empathy, legacy, and leadership can converge to inspire a new generation of officers. Through such interactions, Dr. Jitendra Singh is nurturing a cadre not only rooted in competence, but also in compassion and connectivity — ensuring that public service remains a mission of purpose and pride.