Arun Kumar Mehta. IAS

Arun Kumar Mehta. IAS
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Nationality	Indian
Occupation	IAS officer

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, an IAS officer of 1988 batch, served as Chief Secretary of J&K between end of 29th May 2021 to November 2023.

Career

Earlier, he had served as the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance department in J&K Govt. between March 2019 and May 2023. He previously served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, besides Joint Secretary in Ministry of Urban Development in Government of India. Early life and education Dr Mehta comes from Bihar. He has a B. Tech degree from IIT BHU and M. Tech from IIT Delhi. He did Ph.D from School and Planning and Architecture. He joined IAS on 25th August in 1988 and was assigned to the erstwhile J&K state cadre. Career Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, a 1988 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre and Chief Secretary of UT of J&K between end of May 21 to November 23. As the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance in J&K Govt, he launched the web platform of “Empowerment”- acronym for Enabling Monitoring & Public Overview of Works Being Executed & Resources for Meaningful Transparency- an initiative to bring transparency in the execution of works by enabling citizens to view works/projects being implemented in their areas on real time basis and become a partner in the process of development. Dr Mehta rolled out Budget Estimation Allocation Monitoring System (BEAMS), an electronic platform to ensure that funds are released online and expenditure monitored on real time basis. J&K Government has migrated to complete paperless budgeting with the introduction of this system. He further implemented mandatory e-Tendering, Administrative Approvals, Technical Sanctions, GPS based photographic evidence PROOF, and online billing system PaySys that ensured that no payments could be made without adhering to requisite discipline. He also made hundred per cent physical verification of the projects/works mandatory. This led to unprecedented development in J&K; as evidenced by the fact that the number of works completed was more than 92500 in 2022-23 compared to around 9200 in 2018-19.

Cleaning Dal Lake rampant with growth of weeds has always been a daunting challenge for the municipal experts. Mehta took up the challenge of cleaning Dal lake and to his great credit, he has been successful in cleaning the lake with in the short period of one year.

Mehta has been the driving force behind Digital J&K and spearheaded the following ground breaking measures:

1. E-office has been introduced in all government offices. As on date more than 300 offices have fully migrated to e-office. This has also led to annual cost reduction of Rs 149 cr owing to stoppage of the 149 year old practice of Darbar Move. 2. Rapid Assessment System for getting feedback from the services delivered on real time basis has been rolled out. As on date, 479 services have been integrated with RAS. 3. J&K Employees Performance Monitoring portal (EPM) has been launched to capture the monthly work performance of the employees. This has helped in improving human resource management/productivity of the employees. 4. From 35 to 1102 online services, Jammu and Kashmir is 1st amongst States and UTs in number of e-services being provided to citizens, leaving behind Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. (DARPG, Government of India August,2023 Report). Besides, From many portals to single portal, e-UNNAT - UNified INtegrated Accessible and Transparent service delivery portal launched with Single Sign On. 5. ‘Mobile Dost App’ has been recently launched in J&K which aims at empowering the people of J&K by providing comprehensive platforms to access all the Government to Citizen Services (G2C) directly from their mobile phones. Presently 1075 services are being offered at Mobile Dost. 6. J&K is now among the top States/UTs in India in implementing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The CSSs like Saubaghaya, Indradhanush, UJJWALA, UJALA, pension schemes, student scholarship, PM Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna, SVAMITVA, Kisan Credit Card, Poshan Vatika etc have been saturated. 7. J&K ranks No.3 in the country to construct 75 mandatory Amrit Sarovars in each district and top achievers in % terms, 2652 Sarovars have been completed. 8. Under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, J&K is ranked No.2 in 2022. 9. Under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ,J&K ranks No. 1 in the Country. 10. The 'Apki Zameen Apki Nigrani' program in J&K computerized entire land records in less than a year, empowering citizens to access them without human interface. 11. J&K is the first UT to start Property Card distribution under SVAMITVA scheme. 12. J&K emerges as No.1 UT in India for 2022 export ranking. Overall J&K ranks 17th in the EPI- 2022 ranking 13. J&K is the first State/UT to bring out District Good Governance Index, Aspirational Blocks Development Programme, Aspirational Panchayat Development Programme and Aspirational Towns Programme in the country. 14. J&K has signed MoUs for development of 05 Mega Projects, namely Sawlakote (1856 MW), Dul Hasti stage-II (258 MW), URI -I stage -II (240 MW), Kirthai (930 MW), and Rattle (850 MW) with total capacity of 4134 MW. 15. J&K signed First ever Solar PPAs with NHPC/SECI to receive Solar Power to the tune of 1600 MW. 16. J&K frontrunner in providing Universal Health Insurance through AB PM-JAY/ SEHAT. 100% families have been saturated, 82 lakh Golden Cards and 235 (50% Private Hospitals) have been Empanelled. Besides, New 500 bedded Pediatric Hospital at Srinagar operationalized, 3008 Health & Wellness Centers established and made functional. More than 2000 seats in Medical Education including MBBS, DNB, Nursing etc, have been enhanced. 17. DNB implementation in J&K has been recognized in the Country as best practice in the Country 18. J&K front runner in achieving near full Covid 19 Vaccination coverage. 19. J&K got Bronze Category in TB elimination. 20. The UT has invested heavily in improving the health infrastructure. 2 new AIIMS, 7 new Government Medical Colleges, 5 new Nursing Colleges and 2 State Cancer Institutes have been approved. 21. After 2019 the J&K Government has constructed 08 New Collage buildings whereas construction on 24 college buildings in under progress. Besides, JK Govt has constructed 200 Additional Classrooms in various HEIs as per the need of the institutions. In addition, Auditoriums /Hostels for girls and boys /Multipurpose halls /toilet blocks /Science Blocks/libraries are also constructed in HEIs across the UT. Construction work of IIT & IIM Jammu is in full swing with completion cost of Rs. 577.08 Crore & Rs. 376.82 Crore respectively. 22. Tawi Barrage Project, envisaging creation of an artificial lake to enhance tourism potential of Jammu has been recommenced after 08 years. Project execution is in full swing now and likely to be completed by 23-24, at a cost of Rs. 64.80 Cr. 23. Comprehensive Flood management of river Jehlum and its tributaries (Phase II) is going on at a project cost of Rs. 1623.43 crore. 24. 3rd Tourism Working meeting of G20 was held from 22nd May to 24th May at Srinagar. This event has placed the UT of J&K on the Global stage and served as a significant milestone in the progress and development of tourism in UT of J&K. 25. 75 Off-beat destinations, 5 New adventure circuits, Border Tourism & 75 heritage sites have been identified by J&K Government as a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to exploit the tourism potential of these destinations with involvement of locals, youth clubs etc. Tourism sector has been given the status of Industry for availing incentives under the Industrial Policy- 2021, of UT of Jammu and Kashmir. This has resulted in Private investment of around 250 crore in the Tourism/Hospitality sector. Besides, Home stays have been identified and are being registered for which J&K Tourism Department issued Homestay guidelines to accommodate the increasing footfall and to give tourists a different experience in Jammu and Kashmir More than 1050 homestays have been registered so far and many are in pipeline. More than 200 permissions stand issued to Production Houses for shooting of movies, web series, documentaries and music videos in J&K after the issuance of Film Policy in 2021. 26. 274 Road and Bridge projects having length of 1605 KM have been sanctioned for upgradation under PMGSY-III at an estimated cost of Rs. 2080.07 during 2022-23 & 2023-24. 27. UT of J&K, implemented Uniform academic calendar across the UT, this has led to significant rise in no. of teaching days and academic calendar brought at par with rest of the country. 28. Under JJM, 3244 water supply schemes are under execution at an estimated cost of about Rs. 13000 crore to cover all the 18.67 lakhs rural households with Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), within the premises of the household. 98% of critical works have been allotted. The UT is confident of achieving the mission targets. 29. GI tagging of Saffron and Basmati for effective domestic and international marketing has been done. Gucchi Mushroom of Doda also G.I. tagged. Organic certificate issued to Basmati Rice of R.S.Pura. GI Tag for Cherry, Rajmash, Kala Jeera under process. Besides, One District One Product (ODOP) list notified. 30. “Holistic Agriculture Development Plan” for an amount of Rs. 5013.00 crore for 29 Project Proposals of Agriculture & allied sector recommended and is expected to increase the sectoral growth rate to 11%. The intervention shall create employment opportunities for over 2.87 lakh youth and establish around 19000 enterprises. 31. Engagement of an unprecedented 62 lakh youth in different Sports activities organized at Panchayat , Block, District and UT level in the year 2022-23 under the slogan "My Youth My Pride," "Har Din Khel Har Ek ke Liye Khel," "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan," "Azadi ka Amrit Mahaotsuv," "Jan Abhiyan," "Calendar of Sports Associations," and "Regular Coaching Programmes,". 32. Jammu and Kashmir realized investments worth ₹2153.45 Cr during one Financial Year 2022-23, which is highest in the last decade. Additionally, 166 units with investment worth ₹7034 Cr investment and employment of 20,973 have initiated groundwork and shall commence production shortly. Total investment proposals received - 6231 with investment of ₹ 87,923 Crores and potential employment of 3,92,162. After introduction of New industrial policy the average investment per kanal is 2.24 Crores (based on land premium received), which was merely 0.24 crores per kanal.

Besides Chief Secretary J&K, Dr. Mehta has held following notable positions:

∗ District Collector, Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir (May 1994 to April 1997): This was the period when militancy was at its peak. He successfully managed to restore institutional functioning back to normalcy, facilitated elections and completed a number of developmental works while ensuring general wellbeing of local population. He received a medal for work done during this period. This tenure gave him an opportunity to work for people in most trying circumstances with near breakdown of most institutions.

∗ Director, Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), GoI(June 1998 to 2003):During this tenure, he was responsible for international negotiations related to UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and its Protocol. He drafted the country position and participated in the 6th, 6thbisand 7th Conference of Parties (CoP) to UNFCCC. He was the nodal officer for organizing the 8th CoP to UNFCCC in New Delhi and for drafting country’s negotiating stand on various agenda items, besdides Delhi Declaration. He also worked as G-77 China coordinator on Article 5,7 and 8 of Kyoto Protocol. He also handled matters related to Clean Development Mechanism, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, biodiversity including Convention on Biological Diversity.

∗ Commissioner Secretary (IT and S&T) (2004-2005) and Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) (September 2003 to December 2005): During this period, he was tasked to revive the State Road Transport Corporation. He took measures to streamline the management of SRTC which not only lead to a 360⁰ improvement in the performance of the fleet but also ensured efficiency and visible change. Beginning with an operative fleet of nearly 50%, the operative fleet went up to over 75% and the total earnings grew by over Rs 20 crores, representing a rate of growth of 41% in six months. The Corporation achieved highest ever vehicle and manpower productivity during its three decades of existence and carried highest number of passengers since 1990. This was achieved through detailed and effective planning including proper identification of key result areas, optimum utilization of limited financial resources and efficient utilization of human resources. The steps taken during this period helped the Corporation grow into one of the most efficient Hill State Road Transport Undertaking.

In the field of information technology, a number of Common Information Centers were established and operationalized across the state to ensure accountability as well as effective and responsive public delivery.

∗ Director, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, GoI(December 2005 to April 2011): During this tenure, as Director and Joint Secretary, he was primarily responsible for spearheading country’s Urban Reform Agenda, including approach towards reforms under Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission. With strategic vision, leadership and inclusive communication, he drafted details of JNNURM reforms, the National Urban Sanitation Policy, introduced and completed National Urban Sanitation rating in 423 class I cities, City Sanitation Plans and National School Sanitation Programs. National Urban Water Awards were instituted. Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs) for municipal services including Water Supply, Sanitation, Sewage Management, Solid Waste Management and Storm Water Drainage were developed, providing a framework for assessing status and progress of urban service delivery through ULBs across the country. The benchmarks were adopted by the Central Finance Commission for measuring performance of ULBs for performance related grants and continues to remain a relevant framework today.

∗ The implementation of SLBs was commenced with the launch of a pilot project in 28 cities. A Handbook on E-Governance Benchmarks was finalized and printed. A bill introducing amendment of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act for 50% reservation for women in ULBs in the Parliament. All these works brought about substantial improvements in municipal service delivery.

As part of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), he drafted National Mission on Sustainable Habitat. During this tenure, he worked closely with a number of multilateral including, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, GIZ while coordinating the Indo-Japanese Working Group on Urban Development.

∗ Chief Vigilance Officer, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) (April 2011 to December 2012): Dr Mehta joined DFCCIL, a Special Purpose Vehicle set up under the administrative control of Ministry of Railways to undertake planning and development, mobilization of financial resources and construction, maintenance and operation of dedicated freight corridors, in rather difficult environment due to numerous vigilance cases against Managing Director and other Directors/senior functionaries. During this tenure, the Corporation adopted a stable work culture. The works manual, vigilance manual, finance manual were developed and adopted, besides FIDIC guidelines . This saw effective transformation of DFCCIL while improving transparency and accountability of the whole system. This assignment introduced him to the implementation of very large projects with international funding, EPC contracts and international best practices in project execution.

∗ Principal Secretary, Power Department, Jammu & Kashmir (December 2012 to February 2015): As Principal Secretary (Power), Dr Mehta was responsible for ensuring smooth management of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity supply in the State of Jammu & Kashmir. During his tenure, there were unprecedented floods in the State during September 2014 which led to severe damage to power infrastructure. The power supply in the State was reduced to 1/3rd of its normal value on 8th September 2014. To ensure timely response to the crisis, control rooms were set up, a Standard Operating Procedure was issued immediately, men and material were mobilized which led to extremely efficient restoration of power infrastructure. Within a span of 15 days, nearly 85 to 95% infrastructure was restored including power supply to major water supply stations and hospitals and, in next 15 days normal power was by and large restored.

Despite several constraints due to prevailing situation in J&K, the power supply was managed quite efficiently during this period. The AT&C losses in the state were reduced by over 15% which reached their lowest level since 2002 at 62%. The T&D losses reduced by over 10% which was lowest since 2007-08. The revenue deficit also declined from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,800 crores during this period. The energy deficit also registered a decline from 37.71% in 2007-08 to 29% with peak deficit declining by 7% during this period. Public involvement was ensured by observing Energy Conservation week, installation of LED lamps, holding of workshops & awareness campaign and initiation of anti-theft drive through regular meetings. He received ‟State Award for Meritorious Public Services” on the Republic Day in 2015 besides recognition from Indian Army during unprecedented floods of 2014.

∗ Additional Secretary (24 July 2017 to 31 December 2018), Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI (February 2015 to 23 July 2017) and Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board (June 2015 to July 2016):During this tenure, he headed several divisions dealing with matters related to Air, Water and Industrial Pollution including Central Pollution Control Board, Environmental Clearance of Large Investment Projects, Coastal Regulation Zone, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Green India Mission, Climate Change including United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Protocol, National Communication to UNFCCC (NATCOM), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, National Action Plan on Climate Change, Green Climate Fund, Clean Technology, Biodiversity including United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Bio-safety including Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, Man and Biosphere Reserve Program, Ecologically Sensitive Areas, National River Conservation Directorate, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, Environmental Policy and Law including National Green Tribunal, Environment Education including National Museum of Natural History and Environmental Health.

As Chairman Central Pollution Control Board (additional charge) during June 2015 to July 2016, he led the efforts to reduce industrial pollution in Ganga by ensuring compliance with laid down standards by industries. During this period, discharge of black liquor from paper and pulp industries in Ganga stopped, besides disposal of spent wash from distilleries, through implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge Systems and other initiatives. In order to improve compliance of Red Category of industries with environmental standards, 24x7 online Continuous Emission/Effluent Monitoring Systems were introduced in 2500 industrial units. The classification of industries into Red, Orange, Green was revised and a white Category was introduced. The Comprehensive Environment Pollution Index (CEPI) was also revised to ensure transparency and objectivity of regulatory system. In December 2015, first comprehensive statutory directions for addressing problem of air pollution was issued comprising 42 elements.

As Additional Secretary in the Ministry, he was associated with several key initiatives such as comprehensive revision of Coastal Regulation Zone, Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, streamlining of Environmental and CRZ clearances, revision of Environmental Standards, management of Air Pollution, conceptualization of National Clean Air Programme, PARIVESH etc. In the area of coastal management, mapping of High Tide Line for entire coast line of India was completed, besides mapping of hazard lines for eastern and western coasts. Coastal Zone Management Plans were finalized for most concerned states. The average time taken for environmental and CRZ clearances was brought down to around 144 days from earlier average time of around 600 days. Several complex problems related to Cement Industries, Thermal Power Plants and Building Permissions were resolved combining imperatives of sustainable development with environmental wellbeing. In the context of management of air pollution, conceptualized and implemented several initiatives in Delhi NCR including Clean air Campaigns and preparation of options paper for management of crop residues and mitigation of practice of burning such residues.

Mehta led the Indian Delegation to 24th Conference of Parties (CoP 24) to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change during final stages in 2018, besides leading Indian Delegation at UNCBD CoP 14.

Personal life

Mehta married Dr Amita Mehta and has two sons.

Awards and honours

Mehta is the recipient of State Republic Day award in 2015. He was awarded for his efforts for his stint as Deputy Commissioner Baramulla for restoring institutional functioning during peak of militancy . He has also received National Award for Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, 2018. He was conferred Distinguished Alumni Award by IIT BHU in 2022. He also received award for Best Performing State and UT for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 31st October, 2023 and Excellence in Public Administration on Civil Services Day on 21st April, 2023, on behalf of UT of J&K from Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Publications

• Mehta, Arun Kumar (2001) “The Marrakesh Accords”,Environews, Oct-Dec, Vol 5. • Mehta, Arun Kumar (2003) “The Clean Development Mechanism”, Environmental Finance, London. • Mehta, Arun Kumar (2008) contributed to “The Handbook on Service Level Benchmarks”, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. • Mehta, Arun Kumar (2008) contributed to “The Handbook on Service Level Benchmarks for e-Governance in Municipalities”, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. • Mehta, Arun Kumar (2011) “Rating of Cities as a Tool to incentivize Sanitation”, SACOSAN. • Mehta, Arun Kumar (2014) contributed to “National Mission on Sustainable Habitat”, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. • Mehta, Arun Kumar (2014) “Strengthening Urban Governance”, in M Ramachandran (Ed) India’s Urban Confusion: Challenges and Strategies, Copal Publishing Group, New Delhi, pp 40-45.

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