KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, an IAS officer of 2009 batch has been selected for country’s highest Civil Services honour, the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration. The award carrying Rs 5 Lakh Cash, Gold Medal, Scroll and a Citation will be conferred upon the officer by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21st April at New Delhi during the celebrations of Civil Services Day. This year 10 officers / initiatives across the country will be getting the highest civil services honour for their exceptional and extraordinary contribution towards public service and administration.
Ten initiatives from states of J&K, U.P., Gujarat, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Karnatka and Maharashtra have been selected for this honour. The award is given for contribution of highest order towards public service and exceptional achievements in various fields. Dr Shahid earlier received the National Award for Best Electoral conduct from Election Commission of India and National Award for e-Governance presented by Ministry of Personnel, Government of India.
The 34 year old Veterinary Surgeon-turned- IAS officer, is youngest officer to receive the most prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration; and first individual officer from state to receive this award. Earlier, J&K received this award in 2005 and 2010 for Earthquake Response & Reconstruction and Conduct of Panchayat Elections after 30 years respectively.