Hardeep Jamwal, JNM Journalist, Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a major administrative reshuffle within the Mining Department, involving the transfer and new appointment of eight District Mineral Officers (DMOs). The government has taken this step to enhance the department’s operational effectiveness and strengthen the administrative setup.
According to the issued orders, Chander Kant Bhagat (JKAS), who was awaiting posting, has been appointed as the District Mineral Officer (DMO) of Kishtwar. He has also been assigned the additional charge of Doda district. Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar (JKAS) has been appointed as the DMO of Ramban and given the additional charge of Udhampur.
Similarly, Naved Hussain Badru (JKAS) has been appointed as the new DMO of Kupwara. Kulwant Singh, the DMO of Samba, has been transferred and posted to the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu. On the other hand, Virinder Dev, the DMO of Kishtwar, has been entrusted with the responsibility of Samba district.
The government has transferred Mumtaz Ahmed Shah, the DMO of Kupwara, and appointed him to the CMT Lab, Kashmir. All concerned officers have been directed to assume charge of their new posts with immediate effect.
As part of this administrative reshuffle, Tariq Ahmed Sheikh, Assistant Director of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in Baramulla, has also been transferred. He has been assigned a new responsibility as an Under Secretary in the Home Department.
According to government sources, this reshuffle aims to enhance transparency, improve coordination, and boost administrative efficiency in departmental operations. The new postings of officers will help make the monitoring and management of mining activities across various districts more effective.
