Jammu: Sajjan Singh Yadav, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. According to an order issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Yadav will assume charge from November 1, 2026, or from the date he joins, whichever is later.
Yadav, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre, will replace Atal Dulloo, a 1989-batch IAS officer who is due to retire on October 31, 2026.
The appointment brings an experienced administrator to the Union Territory’s top bureaucratic position, with a career spanning several important assignments in the Delhi administration and the Union Government.
Sajjan Singh Yadav’s Appointment as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order confirming Yadav’s transfer from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir for the post of Chief Secretary.
The order stated, “With the approval of the competent authority, Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav is hereby transferred from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir as chief secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, w.e.f. from 01.11.2026 or from the date of joining, whichever is later.“
Before his new appointment, Yadav was serving as the Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delhi Jal Board. He assumed charge of the water utility on June 9, 2026.
His appointment comes as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for an administrative transition following the completion of Dulloo’s tenure.
Who Is Sajjan Singh Yadav?
Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav is a 1995-batch IAS officer belonging to the AGMUT cadre. He entered the civil services through direct recruitment after clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
According to available service-profile information, his domicile state is recorded as Haryana. Over the course of his career, he has served in several administrative capacities at the state and central levels.
His experience includes assignments in financial administration, urban development, taxation, food and civil supplies, and women and child development. He has also served on central deputation.
Yadav’s administrative background includes responsibilities involving government expenditure, public finance management and the delivery of public services.
Sajjan Singh Yadav’s Educational Qualifications
Yadav has an academic background in public policy, finance and economics. His recorded educational qualifications include:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Policy: Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance: University of Delhi.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Economics: Harvard University, as listed in the supplied biographical information.
His educational background complements his experience in financial management and public administration.
Key Administrative Positions Held by Sajjan Singh Yadav
Throughout his career, Yadav has held several important positions in the Union Government and the Delhi administration.
His previous assignments include:
- Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure: Worked on matters related to government expenditure and financial administration.
- Joint Secretary, Department of Expenditure: Handled responsibilities relating to public finance and expenditure management.
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development: Served in a key administrative role in the Union Government.
- Secretary for Urban Development: Worked on urban administration and development-related matters.
- Commissioner of Trade and Taxes: Held responsibilities in taxation and revenue administration.
- Secretary-cum-Commissioner of Food and Civil Supplies: Served in the administration of food and civil supplies.
- Additional Chief Secretary and CEO, Delhi Jal Board: Took charge of the Delhi water utility in June 2026.
These assignments have given him experience in financial administration, revenue management, urban governance and public service delivery.
Sajjan Singh Yadav’s Tenure at Delhi Jal Board
Before his transfer to Jammu and Kashmir, Yadav served as the Additional Chief Secretary and CEO of the Delhi Jal Board. He assumed the role on June 9, 2026, returning to an organisation he had headed previously.
The Delhi Jal Board is responsible for water supply and related services in the national capital. His experience in the organisation adds to his administrative background in urban public utilities.
His earlier roles in Delhi’s administration also included assignments related to urban development, taxation and food and civil supplies.
Atal Dulloo to Retire on October 31, 2026
Yadav will succeed Atal Dulloo, a 1989-batch IAS officer who became Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary on December 1, 2023.
Dulloo is scheduled to retire on October 31, 2026, after nearly three years in the position. During his career, he held several key assignments in Jammu and Kashmir, including senior roles in Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, Finance, Horticulture, Agriculture and Cooperation.
Before taking over as Chief Secretary, Dulloo served as Secretary in the Border Management Department of the Union Home Ministry.
His retirement will mark the end of his tenure as the Union Territory’s top bureaucrat and pave the way for Yadav to assume the responsibility.
What Sajjan Singh Yadav’s Appointment Means for Jammu and Kashmir
Yadav’s appointment brings an officer with experience in financial management, taxation, urban development and public administration to Jammu and Kashmir’s highest bureaucratic position.
As Chief Secretary, he will be responsible for coordinating the work of government departments and supporting the implementation of administrative policies and development programmes across the Union Territory.
His experience in the Union Government and Delhi administration is expected to be relevant to the responsibilities of the post. He will take charge from November 1, 2026, subject to the joining conditions specified in the MHA order.
The transition from Dulloo to Yadav marks a change in the Union Territory’s senior administrative leadership as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its next phase of governance.
