J&K Govt Assigns Additional Charges to Senior IAS Officers Saurabh Bhagat and Sheetal Nanda

​SRINAGAR, March 23, 2026: In a move to ensure administrative continuity, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a minor reshuffle, assigning additional responsibilities to two senior IAS officers.

According to Government Order No. 467-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor, the decision was made “in the interest of administration” to fill temporary gaps in key departments.

​Under the new directives, Saurabh Bhagat, IAS (AGMUT: 2002), who is currently serving as the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government for the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, has been tasked with an additional role. He will now hold the charge of Administrative Secretary for the Information Technology Department. This assignment is a temporary arrangement and will remain in effect until Dr. Piyush Singla, IAS (AGMUT: 2012), resumes his regular duties.

​Similarly, the government has expanded the portfolio of Sheetal Nanda, IAS (AGMUT: 2006). While she continues her primary role as the Commissioner/Secretary for the Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department, she has been assigned the additional charge of Administrative Secretary for the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

She will oversee the department’s operations until Mohd Aijaz, IAS (AGMUT: 2012), returns to his post. The order, signed by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, has been circulated to all high-ranking officials, including the Financial Commissioners and the Director General of Police, J&K, for immediate implementation.