Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 11: Senior IAS officer B R Sharma is the new Chairman of the J&K Regional Branch of IIPA following stepping down of Dr Ashok Bhan to pave way for younger leadership to take over the reigns of the prestigious organisation.
Dr Bhan was named the new patron in place of Dr SS Bloeria who too, stepped down similarly a year before completing the elected term. The elections are due in January 2016.
Pawan Kotwal, IAS will take the place of B R Sharma as vice chairman Central. These decisions were taken by the general body of the Regional Branch in its 36th AGM held in here in the IIPA premises. The new Chairman (B R Sharma) thanked the members for their support and expressed his desire to work with members to make the branch a centre of excellence.
Hony secretary J B S Johar presented the annual report and Dr Anil Gupta placed the financial statement before the general body which were passed after discussion.
Members lauded the Executive Committee for organizing 17 programs during 2014 on extremely important subjects, publishing the Newsletter and launching the website of the Regional branch. A number of suggestions were given for future programs.
In his address the outgoing chairman thanked the members for their cooperation and support. Dr Bhan identified areas of importance for the Regional branch to focus during the coming years. He acknowledged the role of J&K Police, GAD and University of Jammu in supporting the Branch immensely. He lauded the role of the Secretary Er Johar, members of EC and program coordinator Jatin in making the programs meaningful.
Dr Bloeria urged the members to strive towards making the Branch a Centre of Excellence for training and learning in some core areas of Governance. Former chairman J A Khan tracing the growth of the Branch commended the EC and members for their contribution in improving the quality of programs.