Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 5: The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, conferred the prestigious Paul H Appleby Award for 2024 to Jalil Ahmed Khan, former IAS officer from Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing his remarkable contributions to public administration and dedicated service to IIPA.
As per a statement, the award was presented at the 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).
J A Khan is the eighth retired senior civil servant from Jammu and Kashmir to receive this distinguished award, marking a rare honour.
An IAS officer from the 1967 batch of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, Khan had a noteworthy career in public service spanning 44 years.
Known for his integrity and administrative expertise, he earned respect across the board for his contributions, particularly in the fields of financial management and economic policy.
During his career, Khan held key positions, including Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and Jammu, Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, and Additional Chief Secretary in the Industries & Commerce and Finance Departments.
His tenure as the head of J&K’s Finance Department lasted over a decade, establishing him as an authority in the state’s financial affairs. Following his retirement, he served as Economic Advisor to the J&K Government from 2009 to 2013, helping shape economic policies.
Khan’s efforts in public service were previously recognized with a Gold Medal from the State Government in 1997.
As a founding member of the J&K Regional Branch of IIPA, he played a crucial role in its growth, especially during challenging times. His leadership from 1995 to 2003 helped secure Government support and funding for essential programs.
Khan co-authored the book “The Dying Terrorism: Ballot Defeated Bullet in Jammu and Kashmir” with Dr S S Baloria, reflecting his insights into the region’s socio-political landscape.
Pertinently, the Paul H Appleby Award is named after the influential dean whose recommendations led to IIPA’s establishment in 1954. Previous awardees from Jammu and Kashmir include figures like N N Vohra, Dr Karan Singh, and Dr Ashok Bhan.