Brij Raj Sharma, a 1984- IAS officer was on Monday appointed as Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir ending the week-long suspense over the issue. Sharma succeedes Iqbal Khanday, who volunteered for retirement three months before reaching the age of superannuation.
The State Cabinet, which met here under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed decided to appoint Sharma as Khanday's successor. Sharma, who was Financial Commissioner (Planning) took over immediately. He has superseded four IAS officers, Arun Kumar, Sonali Kumar, AK Angurana and Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, to take over the top post.
Khanday resigned last month apparently over differences with the State Government over the functioning of his office. He, however, cited the Chief Minister's refusal to postpone a Cabinet meeting on August 24 when the infant grandson of Khanday's brother had expired. The Cabinet asked Sharma to convene the meeting in place of Khanday.
Sharma has held several crucial positions during his career. The vital 2008 Assembly elections were conducted during his tenure as Chief Electoral Officer. He has also served as Principal Secretary Home, Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department, Chief Executive Officer, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Director School Education, Jammu and Excise Commissioner besides various other positions. Sharma belongs to Jammu region and enjoys good rapport with officers and Ministers.