STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Thursday 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.
“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,” Lieutenant Governor said in his condolence message.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo also condoled the demise of Mohammad Shafi Pandit
In his condolence message, Dulloo remembered Pandit as a very passionate officer who has been there to extend his advice and guidance whenever he was accessed for the same. He termed him a problem solver who had optimum solution for every problem at hand.
He called him a very compassionate officer who was precursor in starting government sponsored coaching classes for civil service aspirants. He made out that he chiselled 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 better.
Later the gathering observed 2 minutes silence and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
MS Pandit, an IAS officer of 1969 batch was among the pioneers of erstwhile J&K Cadre. He was a veteran bureaucrat who held various important positions in the State as well as Centre including the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and later the Chairman 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 also prayed for their patience to bear this irreparable loss.
