Altaf Kaloo Assumes Charge at Civil Secretariat Jammu; Takes Over Rural Development, Forest Portfolios
Minister Begins Winter Capital Responsibilities As Darbar Move Operations Resume; Focus on Rural Governance, Forest Conservation and Environmental Protection
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 2: Cabinet Minister Altaf Ahmad Wani, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo, on Monday formally assumed charge at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu following the commencement of the annual Darbar Move and the resumption of government functioning in the winter capital.
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Altaf Kaloo has been assigned the portfolios of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Forest, Ecology and Environment in the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir Government.
With the assumption of charge, the minister has formally commenced his administrative responsibilities in Jammu, where various government departments have shifted their offices from Srinagar as part of the annual Darbar Move for the winter season.
Both departments hold significant importance in the overall development and governance of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in strengthening rural infrastructure, improving grassroots administration, protecting forest resources and maintaining ecological balance.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj plays a key role in implementing rural welfare and development programmes, strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, improving village infrastructure and ensuring effective delivery of government schemes at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department is entrusted with responsibilities related to forest conservation, environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, ecological management and addressing environmental challenges across the Union Territory.
The allocation of these portfolios to Altaf Ahmad Wani was notified by the Lieutenant Governor through Government Order No. 1690-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 28, following the recent cabinet expansion and distribution of ministerial portfolios.
During his tenure, the minister is expected to oversee the functioning of the concerned departments, review ongoing developmental initiatives and coordinate with senior administrative officers to ensure effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
His departments also face important responsibilities concerning rural development, environmental sustainability, forest protection and addressing public grievances.
The minister’s assumption of charge coincides with the reopening of the Civil Secretariat in Jammu on November 2, marking the beginning of the 2026–27 winter working season under the traditional Darbar Move arrangement.