A bureaucrat’s journey to legislature

Srinagar, Oct 12: Farooq Ahmad Shah, a seasoned bureaucrat and public servant, made a significant career transition in 2018 when he opted for voluntary retirement after serving for over 30 years in the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Farooq Shah joined the J&K National Conference (NC) in February 2019 and contested his first Assembly election in 2024 from the Gulmarg constituency.

At the time of his joining NC in 2019, the party vice president Omar Abdullah stated that Farooq Ahmad Shah's joining will benefit the party based on his experience in public life. Abdullah said that his acumen for administration will benefit the party and hoped that Shah will make the party stronger at grassroots.

On October 8 of 2024, when the results of the Assembly elections were announced, Shah defeated Ghulam Hassan Mir of JK Apni Party in his maiden Assembly elections with a margin of 4191 votes.

Shah got 26984 from the constituency while 22793 votes were polled in favour of Ghulam Hassan Mir in Gulmarg constituency.

Post results, Shah termed his victory as "big success" for the party saying that he defeated "old age enemy" of the National Conference who won elections in the constituency for the last 40 years.

Meanwhile, his entry into politics marked a new chapter in his life, building on decades of distinguished service in public administration.

Farooq Ahmad Shah began his journey in public service after completing his Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from the Regional Engineering College (REC), Srinagar, now known as the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar.

Shah started his career in government service since 1987 and spent over three decades in various key roles across various departments in the Jammu and Kashmir government.

His career was marked by an impressive track record of visualising, conceptualising, and implementing projects that had a lasting impact on the erstwhile state’s tourism, infrastructure, education, and water resource management.

One of his most celebrated accomplishments was overseeing the commissioning of the second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola, the world’s highest cable car, connecting Kongdori to Apharwat at an altitude of 13,400 feet. This project played a crucial role in putting Gulmarg on the international skiing map.

As Director of Tourism from 2006 to 2011, Shah successfully revitalised the tourism industry in Kashmir after a significant decline.

During his period, the tourist inflows reached a record high of 1.35 million in 2011, and he spearheaded the development of critical tourism infrastructure, including the construction of tourist reception centers and promoting adventure tourism like skiing, mountaineering, and white water rafting.

During his tenure as Secretary of the School Education Department (SED), Shah managed to restore normalcy in schools following the 2016 unrest in the Valley.

His initiatives, such as student exchange programs and infrastructure improvements in schools, were instrumental in achieving high attendance and re-engaging students in educational activities.

Later as the Secretary of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Shah played a pivotal role in launching the ambitious "Har Gaon Mai Nal Ka Pani" (Tap Water in Every Village) program. His efforts also led to securing significant funds for flood management and completing crucial water-related projects.

Farooq Ahmad Shah’s contributions to public service have been widely recognised. In 2004, he received the J&K Government’s State Award for Meritorious Public Service. His expertise in promoting winter sports earned him the title of “Best Winter Sports Administrator” by the Ice Skating Association of India.

He was also listed among the "Top 10 Tourism Professionals in India" by Safari India, among other honors.

After his victory from Gulmarg Shah while sharing his vision for Gulmarg said his mission was to develop Gulmarg constituency on modern lines.

"My constituency (Gulmarg) has huge potential. We will make it an international destination," he said.