SRINAGAR: Sundeep K Nayak, a highly respected 1988 batch IAS officer of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre, hanged his boots as he retired from his position as the Director General of the National Productivity Council, (Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India.)
Nayak’s journey in the civil services has been remarkable, earning him accolades and recognition throughout his tenure. In October 2021, he was empanelled as Secretary to the Government of India by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), a testament to his competence and dedication to public service.
Before taking up the role of Director General at the National Productivity Council, Nayak had been serving the Government of India since 2017, where he held the position of Managing Director at the National Cooperative Development Organization.
However, it was his early years in Jammu and Kashmir that laid the foundation for his exceptional career. Notably, he served as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Budgam and Srinagar during the tumultuous early nineties. Despite the challenging times, Nayak demonstrated visionary leadership and was the first officer from the administration to establish working contacts with academics in Kashmir.
During his tenure as DC Budgam, Nayak spearheaded a ground-breaking research project on gender discrimination in collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Working closely with the late Prof BA Dabla, a renowned Kashmiri sociologist, the research resulted in the publication of a book titled Gender Discrimination in Kashmir Valley.
Moreover, it played a pivotal role in establishing the First State Women’s Commission in Jammu and Kashmir. His Budgam stint also saw massive chinar Plantation as a movement in the area.
In the subsequent years, Nayak also served in various crucial departments in the region, including Power, Agriculture,Disaster management and Tourism, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the state. Baglihar phase-2 was formally thrown open by Prime Minister Narindra Modi when Nayak was the Power Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir.
Apart from his contributions to Jammu and Kashmir, Nayak also served with distinction in several key roles in the Government of India, such as in the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, the National Commission of Youth, the Ministry of Health, and the National Security Council.
Interestingly , Nayak’s connection with Kashmir ran deep within his family. His late mother, a respected professor, authored a book in Oriya titled Kashmiri Loka Katha. This book comprised a collection of Kashmiri short stories, written during the time of her stay with her son at different places in Jammu and Kashmir.
As Nayak retires from active service, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and transformative initiatives. His contributions to the administrative services and the people he served will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
