JAMMU, AUGUST 5: In an administrative reshuffle, the Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a wide-ranging transfer order impacting key positions across the Union Territory, including the appointment of Anshul Garg, a 2013-batch IAS officer, as the new Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir. The transfer, sanctioned by the General Administration Department (GAD) under the supervision of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, comes amidst a broader overhaul affecting both IAS and JKAS officers.
Anshul Garg, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), now assumes charge of the Kashmir Division, a role that has remained vacant since V.K. Bhiduri was repatriated to Delhi by the Union Home Ministry on May 16. Garg’s appointment is seen as a strategic move given his administrative experience in sensitive religious and governance domains.
The reshuffle includes the transfer of ten IAS officers and four JKAS officers, along with the appointment of new deputy commissioners in six districts—a move that signals the administration’s intent to inject fresh leadership at the district level and realign governance priorities.
Among key postings, Naveen S L, Secretary of the Transport Department, has been reassigned as Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, and will also hold the additional charge of Commissioner, Civil Aviation, relieving Shahid Iqbal Choudhary of the interim responsibility. Avny Lavasa, who was awaiting a new assignment, has been posted as the new Secretary, Transport Department.
Vikas Kundal, until now the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, has been appointed as Chairman of the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB), replacing Indu Kanwal, who moves to take over as Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora.
In power and utility services, Gurpal Singh, Director, Social Welfare, Jammu, has been transferred to serve as Managing Director of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, while Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, previously holding that post, now becomes the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara.
Further district-level changes include the transfer of Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, who now takes charge as CEO of SMVDSB, replacing Anshul Garg. Rakesh Minhas, previously the DC of Kathua, takes over as Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, while Ayushi Sudan has been shifted from Kupwara to serve as Deputy Commissioner, Samba.
Ashok Kumar Sharma, a JKAS officer, has been reassigned from the Labour and Employment Department to take charge as Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, and Rajesh Sharma, formerly the DC of Samba, will now serve as the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua.
The reshuffle is seen as part of a broader governance recalibration by the UT administration to enhance field-level efficiency, streamline departmental responsibilities, and ensure smoother coordination between civil and district officials ahead of upcoming development initiatives.