Former J&K Chief Secretary Ashok Kumar passes away
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Ashok Kumar passed away at his Noida residence after a brief illness on November 4, 2025. He was 85.
J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo expressed deep grief over his demise, remembering him as an able administrator and a distinguished civil servant who served the people of Jammu and Kashmir with dedication and integrity.
Dulloo said Kumar, who held the top post from October 17, 1994, to October 9, 1996, was known for his commitment and administrative excellence, earning wide respect among colleagues and the public.
Born on December 12, 1940, in Uttar Pradesh, Kumar graduated in English Literature with distinction and later completed two post-graduations-in English Literature and Public Administration-along with an M.Phil. in Social Sciences.
He joined the Jammu and Kashmir Cadre of the Indian Administrative Service in 1965 and served in several key positions including DC Kathua and DC Jammu before becoming Chief Secretary in 1994.
In 1996, he was deputed to the Ministry of Defence as Additional Secretary and later served in various senior positions including Special Secretary, Home Affairs; Principal Advisor, Planning Commission; and Special Secretary, Department of Official Languages.
Kumar is particularly remembered for successfully overseeing the 1996 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which paved the way for the return of democratic governance under Farooq Abdullah.
Dr N C Prabhakar, National Level Monitor in the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, attended the cremation ceremony of the departed IAS officer in Noida.
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