Jammu, Nov 20: Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Atal Dulloo Monday was repatriated to his parent (Union Territory) cadre on the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
As per well-placed sources, Dulloo, who is currently serving as Secretary Department of Border Management, is tipped to be the next Chief Secretary of J&K.
Present Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta will attain the age of superannuation by November end.
“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved repatriation of Atal Dulloo, IAS (UT:89), Secretary, Department of Border Management to his parent cadre on the request of Ministry of Home Affairs,” read an order issued by the Secretary Appointments Committee of the Cabinet & Establishment Officer of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Dulloo, an IAS officer of erstwhile J&K (now AGMUT) cadre, had proceeded on central deputation in June this year to replace Dharmendra Sangwar as Secretary, Border Management, who attained superannuation on June 30.
Before proceeding on deputation, Dulloo was the Financial Commissioner Agriculture Production Department in J&K.
In the administrative circles, his repatriation to his parent cadre is being viewed as a move to clear the decks for his elevation to the head of bureaucracy in J&K.
The move came while the speculations were rife that the incumbent Chief Secretary could get an extension.
A seasoned bureaucrat, Dulloo, in the bureaucratic circles, is known for his amiable, non-confrontational style of functioning. Dulloo also served as the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Finance department, J&K for a long period.