Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) officer Athar Amin Zargar has recently received offers from two of the world’s top universities to pursue a one-year leadership course in Masters in Public Administration and Masters in Public Policy. Zargar, who currently holds the position of Sub Divisional Magistrate at Thathri sub division of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, has been offered a place in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE).
The Offer Details
Zargar received an offer from the London School of Economics, which congratulated him on securing a place in their highly competitive Master of Public Policy programme, according to The Chenab Times sources. The offer also highlighted the opportunity to learn from and with a diverse group of peers from different countries and backgrounds, all sharing a passion for public policy and shaping the world for the better. The School of Public Policy at LSE is ranked as the 3rd top ranking university in the world in 2023 for this subject, according to QS World University Rankings.
Zargar also received an offer from the National University of Singapore, informing him that his application for the Master in Public Administration programme in AY 2023/2024 was successful. The offer included a Letter of Offer, which Zargar was asked to peruse before confirming his acceptance. The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS is the 6th top-ranking university in the world in 2023 for this subject, according to QS World University Rankings.
From Engineering to Civil Services
Athar Amin Zargar, a 37-year-old Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service officer, has achieved a significant amount of success in his career and personal pursuits.
Athar completed his early education in a Sainik/military school in Nagrota in 2003, where he served as school captain and was part of the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces (National Cadet Corps) for 7 years. He went on to pursue a B. Tech. in civil engineering from the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, where he graduated with an 8.99/10 GPA and secured the 2nd rank in his class of 75.
After completing his B. Tech., Athar worked as a project engineer at Hindustan Construction Company in Leh, Ladakh, where he worked on the construction of dams and diversion tunnels for hydropower projects. He then moved on to work as a senior engineer at the Public Works Department, Chenab Valley, where he worked on constructing bridges, buildings, and roads. In 2013, he took on a role as an additional director in the Department of Industries and Commerce, Jammu & Kashmir, where he supported new units to establish with subsidised land, power, and water. He also helped entrepreneurs in the legal process with the aim of bringing capital and employment to the conflict region of Kashmir.
In 2015, Athar moved to the Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir, where he worked as Assistant Director. He supplied subsidised food grains to 6 million people at a rate of 5 kg per month per person. He also implemented the National Food Security Act in the province and protected the rights of consumers by enforcing consumer laws strictly.
In 2018, Athar became the Block development officer (BDO) and worked in the Ministry of Rural Development. He generated 100 days of employment for 12,000 rural households locally and constructed footpaths, schools, play fields, bridges, etc. in rural areas. Since 2020, Athar has been the sub-divisional magistrate at Thathri, working for the government of Jammu and Kashmir. He has been responsible for maintaining law and order and exercising control over all agencies for the execution of welfare schemes and services of the government at ground zero.
Achievements
Aside from his professional pursuits, Athar has also made contributions in the realm of outdoor recreation. In 2021, he established white water rafting on the river Chenab and founded and heads a trekking group named “Team Caliper.” He also introduced and provided guidance for starting snow skiing in the Doda district.
Athar has received recognition for his work, including the National Award for 2018-19 from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, for the best implementation of the national rural employment generation programme among the 7233 blocks in the country. He also received a state award from the government of Jammu and Kashmir for the implementation of the National Food Security Act.
Why These Offers are Significant
Getting admitted to one of the world’s top universities is a significant achievement. It not only indicates the individual’s academic and professional capabilities but also opens up doors to new opportunities and exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking. For Zargar, these offers are a testament to his leadership skills and his dedication to public service.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
