Srinagar, Sept 23 (KNS): A commemorative event held in honour of late Mohammad Shafi Pandit saw speakers from across civil society, governance, and academia reflecting on his enduring legacy in public service, transparency, and institutional integrity.

The gathering, organized by the Good Governance Council (GCC), was attended by senior officials, civil society members, and former colleagues of Shafi Pandit, who served as a distinguished civil servant and former Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).

Speaking at the event, Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, recalled Shafi Pandit's lifelong commitment to democratic governance and transparent administration. He said Pandit's life was guided by the principle that access to information is fundamental to good governance and that civil society must actively engage with frameworks such as the Right to Information (RTI) to ensure accountability.

Dr. Ashok Bhan, former DGP and noted legal expert, paid tributes to Shafi Pandit’s role in shaping governance practices in Jammu and Kashmir. He described him as a civil servant whose career was rooted in justice, empathy for the underprivileged, and unwavering faith in democratic institutions.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In his welcome address, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Chairman of GCC and a retired IAS officer, emphasized the responsibility of civil society to remain engaged with issues of governance and public accountability. He said such engagement is vital to strengthening democratic institutions.

Speakers throughout the session reflected on Shafi Pandit's administrative leadership and values. They described him as a symbol of integrity and fairness, whose career in public service inspired generations. Particular reference was made to his time as Chairman of JKPSC, where he implemented reforms to ensure merit-based recruitment and introduced transparent procedures that improved public trust in the selection process.

The event concluded with participants acknowledging Shafi Pandit's impact on both civil services and wider society. His focus on empowering people, upholding fairness, and promoting transparency was described as a guiding light for both current and future administrators.

The meeting ended with a note of thanks from the Secretary of GCC, who reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting the values that Shafi Pandit represented.(KNS)