Srinagar: Amit Kushari, a respected 1970-batch IAS officer of the former Jammu and Kashmir cadre, passed away in Jammu on March 18, bringing to a close a long public life marked by administrative integrity, institutional leadership and continued engagement with regional issues even after retirement.
Kushari served the region for more than three decades and remained one of the senior-most bureaucrats associated with several important administrative phases in Jammu and Kashmir. He retired as Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir and later served as a Judge at the Central Administrative Tribunal.
Three Decades of Administrative Service in Jammu and Kashmir
Belonging to the 1970 batch of the Indian Administrative Service, Amit Kushari built a long administrative career in the Jammu and Kashmir cadre during a period of major institutional and political transitions in the region.
Over the course of his service, he held several key assignments across departments and was widely regarded as a calm, experienced and accessible administrator.
His administrative journey culminated in one of the highest positions in the regional bureaucracy when he retired as Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Commissioner), a role carrying major responsibility in governance, revenue administration and policy coordination.
Served as Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner
As Additional Chief Secretary, Kushari was part of the senior decision-making structure of the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
The Financial Commissioner position placed him at the centre of major administrative and fiscal decision processes, requiring oversight over governance mechanisms and coordination among departments.
Colleagues and former officials recall him as an officer known for institutional discipline and balanced decision-making.
Later Appointed Judge at Central Administrative Tribunal
After retirement from the IAS, Kushari continued in public institutional service by joining the Central Administrative Tribunal as a Judge.
The tribunal deals with service matters related to government employees, and his administrative experience was considered valuable in adjudicating service-related disputes.
His post-retirement judicial role further extended his contribution to public administration.
Continued Writing on Jammu and Kashmir Issues After Retirement
Even after retirement, Amit Kushari remained actively engaged with public discourse.
He wrote regularly as a columnist and commentator, focusing on issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir.
His writings often reflected deep concern for governance challenges, social conditions and administrative reforms in the region.
He was regarded as a thoughtful public voice who continued contributing intellectually long after leaving formal office.
Remembered as Compassionate and Deeply Connected to People
Former colleagues and residents described Kushari as a compassionate individual who remained deeply connected with people across Jammu and Kashmir.
Many remembered him not only as an administrator but also as a humane officer who understood regional sensitivities.
Several condolence messages described him as an upright officer, a noble individual and a person of high personal integrity.
Condolences from Civil Society and Public Circles
Members of the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) Jammu and Kashmir and several public figures expressed sorrow over his demise.
Tributes highlighted:
• his administrative calibre
• his ethical conduct
• his intellectual engagement after retirement
• his concern for Jammu and Kashmir’s long-term development
Family Survived By Wife, Son and Daughter
Amit Kushari is survived by:
• his wife Sheta Kushari
• son Indivar Kushari
• daughter Shriya Kushari
Family members, friends, retired officers and members of civil society have expressed grief over his passing.
Legacy of Public Service
His death marks the loss of a generation of officers who served Jammu and Kashmir through complex decades of governance.
His career remains associated with:
• administrative steadiness
• senior institutional leadership
• post-retirement judicial contribution
• continued intellectual engagement
A Bureaucrat Remembered Beyond Office
What distinguished Amit Kushari for many was that his engagement with public life did not end with retirement.
His continued writing and concern for regional governance kept him connected to public debate and civic thought.
That legacy now forms an important part of how he is being remembered.
