Dulloo was recently repatriated from the Centre, where he was serving as Secretary, Border Management, in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to sources, Dulloo has been sent back to the Union territory to lead the bureaucracy before the general elections due by May next year and also the local polls, whenever they are held.

“Consequent upon the superannuation of Sh AK Mehta IAS (AGMUT:1988) on 30-11-2023 and repatriation from central deputation, Sh Atal Dulloo IAS is hereby appointed as chief secretary, Jammu and Kashmir w.e.f. 01-12-2023 or from date of assumption of charge, whichever is later and until further orders," the Home Ministry said in an order issued Wednesday.

Dulloo, an IAS officer of Union Territory cadre, belongs to the minority Kashmiri Pandit community. He has served in J&K in various capacities in the past, including as Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner.