New Delhi, April 21, 2025 – Athar Aamir Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was conferred the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The award recognises Team Kulgam’s outstanding contributions to public service, marking a significant milestone in the district’s development journey under Khan’s leadership.
The ceremony, held in New Delhi, celebrated exemplary governance and innovative administration across India. Khan, a 2016-batch IAS officer, was lauded for spearheading transformative initiatives in Kulgam, including infrastructure development, digital governance, and community welfare programs. His tenure has seen accelerated progress on projects like the National Highway (NH-444), the Gujjar Bakerwal Hostel, and transit accommodations for migrants, alongside efforts to enhance public service delivery.
Prime Minister Modi praised Team Kulgam’s dedication, stating, “Such exemplary public service strengthens nation-building and inspires others to serve with commitment.” Khan shared the accolade with his predecessor, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, whose foundational work contributed to the district’s achievements. “This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of Kulgam’s administration and its people,” Khan said
The award highlights Kulgam’s progress as a model of efficient governance in Jammu and Kashmir, with initiatives like smart city projects and public grievance redressal systems earning widespread acclaim.
Khan, previously Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and CEO of Srinagar Smart City, has a track record of driving impactful change. His appointment as DC Kulgam in January 2024 was met with optimism, and this award further cements his reputation as a dynamic administrator.
