Srinagar, Sept 19: Former chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) Mohammad Shafi Pandit passed away in a Delhi hospital today.
Family sources said that he was admitted there for treatment some days ago.
Pandit had a distinguished career, serving as Additional Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, and was known for his contributions to the state’s administration.
As the first Muslim IAS officer from Jammu and Kashmir, Pandit broke barriers and paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
During his tenure as Chairman of JKPSC, Pandit ensured a fair and transparent selection process, earning him respect across the board.
His commitment to the state’s development was evident in his efforts to clean up the Dal Lake in Srinagar, showcasing his environmental consciousness.
Pandit’s passing is a significant loss to the J&K, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. His dedication to public service, administrative acumen, and commitment to social causes will continue to inspire young bureaucrats and citizens alike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s first Muslim IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit, who died earlier in the day.
Pandit, who retired as chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission in 2009, died at a Delhi hospital while undergoing treatment for cancer.
“I have come to know Kashmir’s pride and first (Muslim) IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit has passed away. He was working for the benefit of society even after retirement. In this hour of grief, we are with his family,” the prime minister said while addressing an election rally.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the demise of former IAS officer, Mohammad Shafi Pandit.
Lieutenant Governor’s said: “Saddened by the demise of Mohammad Shafi Pandit ji. He had an illustrious career as a bureaucrat and served with distinction. He will be remembered for his significant contributions to public service and civil society. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief”.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today condoled the demise of Mohammad Shafi Pandit, a 1969 batch IAS Officer who breathed his last today.
In his condolence message, Dulloo remembered Pandit as a very passionate officer who had been there to extend his advice and guidance whenever he was accessed for the same. He termed him a problem solver who had optimum solutions for every problem at hand.
He called him a very compassionate officer who was a precursor in starting government-sponsored coaching classes for civil service aspirants. He made out that he chiseled the career of many youngsters by encouraging them to join the civil services and would be remembered by them for his mentorship for all times to come.
Dulloo further remembered that he met him a couple of times and raised different issues of public importance. He called him a philanthropist par excellence who had changed the lives of many for the better.
Later the gathering observed 2 minutes of silence and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
MS Pandit, an IAS officer of the 1969 batch was among the pioneers of the erstwhile J&K Cadre. He was a veteran bureaucrat who held various important positions in the State as well as the Centre including the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, and later the Chairman of J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) towards the end of his career.
All senior officers participated in this condolence meeting and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. They also showed their sympathy for the family and prayed for their patience to bear this irreparable loss.
