Srinagar/Jammu: The General Administration Department (GAD) of Jammu and Kashmir has officially relieved three IAS officers following transfer orders issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The officers will assume their new responsibilities in Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ladakh with immediate effect from February 20, 2026 (afternoon).
Details of the Transferred IAS Officers
The following officers have been relieved and assigned new postings:
- Santosh D Vaidya (IAS, 1998 batch, AGMUT cadre) – Relieved to join his new posting in Delhi.
- Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah (IAS, 2012 batch, AGMUT cadre) – Transferred and relieved to take up his assignment in Chandigarh.
- Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary (IAS, 2015 batch, AGMUT cadre) – Transferred to Ladakh and relieved accordingly.
All three officers have been relieved immediately to enable a smooth transition and to assume their respective roles in the new locations.
Official Orders and Government Notification
The transfers were formalized through separate government orders issued by the GAD of Jammu & Kashmir. Specifically, Government Order No. 228-JK(GAD) of 2026 pertains to Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah’s transfer to Chandigarh. Similar orders were issued for Santosh D Vaidya and Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary, ensuring compliance with central directives.
Significance of the Transfers
These administrative moves are part of routine cadre management under the AGMUT cadre system, which allows IAS officers to serve in Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Transfers like these aim to ensure effective governance, resource allocation, and administrative continuity across different regions.
The officers are expected to report to their new postings immediately and begin executing their responsibilities in line with the respective departmental mandates.
