Srinagar, April 30:
The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday ordered a major administrative reshuffle, transferring and posting more than 170 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers across various departments with immediate effect.
As per Government Order No. 855-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated April 30, the General Administration Department carried out wide-ranging changes aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring administrative efficiency across the Union Territory.
According to the official order (page 1), several senior officers were reassigned to key positions. Hafiz Hamid Khan was posted as Secretary in the Jal Shakti Department, while Smita Sethi was appointed Managing Director of the J&K Housing Board. Similarly, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri was transferred as Managing Director of the J&K Financial Corporation, and Mohammad Rafi was posted as Director General, J&K Special Tribunal.
The reshuffle also saw multiple Additional Commissioners, Special Secretaries, and District-level officers being reassigned. On page 2–4 of the document, officers such as Mushtaq Ahmad, Mukhtar Ahmed Chowdhary, and Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar were given new responsibilities in estates, advisory boards, and SIDCO respectively, reflecting a broader restructuring across departments.
A significant number of postings were made in key sectors including Rural Development, Power Development, Industries and Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Medical Education. Several officers were also assigned additional charges to ensure continuity in administrative functioning.
The order, spanning 26 pages, details transfers at all levels—from senior administrative positions to district and junior-scale officers—indicating one of the largest reshuffles in recent times (pages 5–25).
In addition to top-level changes, many officers were deputed or placed at the disposal of departments such as Mining, Finance, Transport, and Social Welfare for further postings, highlighting the government’s focus on optimal utilization of administrative resources.
The reshuffle concludes with directions issued under the authority of the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, emphasizing that the transfers are in the “interest of administration” and take immediate effect (final page).
Officials believe the move is aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing coordination among departments, and strengthening governance across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)