Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir's first Muslim Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit passed away.
He was 80 years old. According to Pandit's family, he was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago, after which he was being treated in a hospital in Delhi. Shafi Pandit was the first Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir to clear the Civil Services Examination in 1969. His final role in the government was serving as the head of the autonomous Jammu Kashmir Public Service Commission. Pandit was actively involved in various civil society and philanthropic efforts in Kashmir and played a key role in implementing the Mandal Commission Report as Joint Secretary in the Government of India in 1992 in Jammu Kashmir Public Service Commission.
Shafi Pandit, a trailblazer from Jammu and Kashmir, became the first Muslim from the region to successfully pass the prestigious Civil Services Examination in 1969. Over the course of his distinguished career, he held several important positions, with his final responsibility being the Chairman of the autonomous Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission. Beyond his formal roles, Pandit was deeply committed to civil society and philanthropic initiatives in Kashmir, dedicating much of his time to improving social welfare in the region. His legacy includes his instrumental role in implementing the Mandal Commission Report as Joint Secretary in the Government of India in 1992, which was a pivotal moment in expanding social justice and affirmative action policies for marginalized communities. His contributions, both in governance and society, continue to be remembered as significant to the region and the country at large.
Shafi Pandit was part of several civil society and philanthropic initiatives in Kashmir. He also played an important role in implementing the Mandal Commission Report as Joint Secretary in the Government of India.
PM Modi paid tribute:
Addressing an election rally here today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that I have learned about the demise of Kashmir's pride and first (Muslim) IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit. He was working for the welfare of the society even after retirement. We are with his family in this hour of grief.
Jairam Ramesh who is the leader of Congress condoled the death of the IAS officer.
"My good friend of many years. Mohammed Shafi Pandit, has just passed away.He was a 1969-batch IAS officer who occupied important positions with distinction, both in J&K and at the Centre," Ramesh wrote in a post on X.
History created in 1969
Mo. Shafi Pandit did his Masters in Geology from Kashmir University. In 1969, he was selected for civil services. This was a big achievement for him. He became the first Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir to qualify. He secured 5th rank in the examination.
Also the Chairman of Kashmir Public Service Commission
Shafi Pandit also did a Master's in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota in the United States. During his tenure, Pandit held several prestigious positions and retired as Additional Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission from 2004 to 2009.
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