In public administration, power is often associated with authority. Yet, the real strength of governance lies in financial discipline. Behind every policy decision stands an officer who ensures that public money is spent wisely, lawfully, and transparently. Shakeel Maqbool belongs to that quiet but critical space.
An officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), 2014 batch, Maqbool has recently been appointed as the Internal Financial Advisor to the Home Department of the Jammu & Kashmir Government. The position places him at the centre of financial decision-making in one of the most sensitive departments of the Union Territory.
ROOTS IN BUDGAM, EYES ON PUBLIC SERVICE
Shakeel Maqbool hails from Budgam district in Jammu & Kashmir, a region that has produced resilient and determined civil servants over the years. His entry into the civil services came after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2013, a milestone that reflected years of disciplined preparation and a clear commitment to public service.
Choosing ICAS was a conscious decision. For Maqbool, governance was not only about administration but also about ensuring that financial systems work efficiently, fairly, and without leakage.
THE ENGINE ROOM OF PUBLIC FINANCE
Maqbool often explains that ICAS is a Group A service under the UPSC CSE, playing a role as significant as any other All India or Central Service. Officers of this cadre handle public finance, government accounting, auditing, pensions, and financial reporting for the Union Government.
According to him, those with a grounding in mathematics, economics, and technical systems can thrive in ICAS. The service offers a rare opportunity to influence policy outcomes by strengthening the financial backbone of governance.
STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION IN J&K
Before assuming charge as Internal Financial Advisor, Maqbool served as the Controller of Accountsin Jammu & Kashmir. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing government expenditure, enforcing financial rules, and ensuring accountability across departments.
Earlier, he spent three years on deputation as Additional Commissioner in the State Taxes Department of J&K, a tenure that concluded in November 2024. His work during this period contributed to improving tax administration and strengthening revenue systems at a time when fiscal stability was a key priority.
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DRIVING TRANSPARENCY THROUGH PFMS
One of the most significant chapters of Maqbool’s career has been his leadership of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) in Jammu & Kashmir, where he represented the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Under his stewardship, PFMS helped streamline fund flows, enabled real-time financial tracking, and improved transparency in government spending.
The initiative reinforced the idea that strong digital systems are essential for accountable governance, especially in complex administrative environments.
A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE HOME DEPARTMENT
As Internal Financial Advisor to the J&K Home Department, Maqbool now plays a decisive role in aligning financial planning with administrative priorities. His responsibility is to ensure fiscal prudence, sound financial advice, and compliance with established norms, particularly in a department where every decision carries strategic importance.
His appointment reflects the confidence placed in his expertise by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
BEYOND THE OFFICE : CRICKET AND POETRY
Away from official responsibilities, Maqbool is known for his love for cricket and poetry. He believes that time management makes it possible to pursue passions alongside professional duties. For him, cricket builds discipline and teamwork, while poetry allows reflection and emotional expression.
These interests, he feels, add balance and perspective to his role as a public servant.
QUIET LEADERSHIP, LASTING IMPACT
Shakeel Maqbool’s journey from Budgam to the corridors of financial governance in Jammu & Kashmir is a story of quiet excellence. His career reflects how integrity, technical expertise, and personal discipline can come together in public service.
As he takes on his new responsibility, expectations are high. But if his journey so far is any indication, his contribution will be measured not in noise, but in numbers that speak for themselves.
