Amid increasing tensions along India’s western borders, the Central Government has launched a strategic initiative by appointing senior IAS and IPS officers as mentors for key border districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The move aims to bolster governance, improve crisis coordination, and maintain administrative control in areas vulnerable to cross-border hostilities.
Objective: Strengthening Governance at the Frontline
This administrative measure is designed to enhance preparedness and stability in the Union Territory’s sensitive districts. Officers from the AGMUT cadre have been designated as mentors, each overseeing one district to:
Support local administrations
Provide high-level guidance and strategic oversight
Ensure prompt decision-making amid high-alert conditions
List of Officers Appointed and Their Assigned Districts:
Shaleen Kabra (IAS:1992) – Addl. Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Dept. → Mentor for Jammu
Shailendra Kumar (IAS:1995) – Principal Secretary, Agriculture Dept. → Mentor for Poonch
Sanjeev Verma (IAS:2001) – Commissioner/Secretary, Social Welfare → Mentor for Kathua
Vikramjit Singh (IPS:2006) – Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce → Mentor for Samba
Sarmad Hafeez (IAS:2009) – Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services & Sports → Mentor for Kupwara
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (IAS:2010) – Secretary, Labour & Employment → Mentor for Baramulla
Bhupinder Kumar (IAS:2011) – Secretary, Public Works (R&B) → Mentor for Rajouri
Strategic Relevance of the Move
The deployment follows increased military activity and alertness along J&K’s western frontier. The appointed mentors are expected to:
Facilitate smooth coordination between civilian and security forces
Ensure swift administrative responses in emergency situations
Oversee logistics, infrastructure, and communication channels
Support community outreach and morale-building efforts
A senior official remarked, “This proactive measure reflects the Centre’s commitment to robust, hands-on governance in districts close to the Line of Control.”
Focus on Vulnerable Zones
Border districts such as Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Samba are of particular strategic concern due to frequent cross-border incidents and infiltration attempts. The assignment of experienced civil servants to these areas marks a significant step in fortifying India’s internal administrative readiness alongside its defense posture.
As the situation evolves, the presence of top-level officers at the grassroots level signifies a decisive shift towards integrated civil-military coordination and resilient local governance in high-risk zones.
