Former Governor Shekhar Dutt passes away

 

 

Former Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday at the age of 79. Governor Ramen Deka expressed deep sorrow over his demise, highlighting Dutt’s efficiency as an administrator and his dedication as a soldier and patriot. Deka praised Dutt’s unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, from his military service to his administrative roles, and emphasized his unforgettable contributions to Chhattisgarh’s development. Shekhar Dutt, a retired Indian civil servant, was the fourth Governor of Chhattisgarh, serving from January 23, 2010, to July 1, 2014. Before his governorship, he held various bureaucratic positions, including Secretary in the Ministry of Defence as an IAS officer.

 

Dutt began his career in the Indian Army in 1966 and bravely participated in the Indo-Pak War of 1971, for which he was awarded the Army Medal (Distinguished Service Medal) for gallantry. After taking voluntary retirement from the Army, he joined the IAS and served in high-ranking positions in both the undivided Madhya Pradesh state and the Central government. During his tenure as Governor, Shekhar Dutt was actively involved in promoting higher education, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, social welfare, Ayurveda, health, environment, welfare of children and youth, and the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, industry, and art and culture. He championed scientific thinking and intellectual discourse, contributing to the establishment of the ‘National Centre for Natural Resources’ at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur.

 

He also played an inspiring role in the construction of ‘Shaheed Vatika’ in Rajiv Smriti Van in Raipur, a memorial dedicated to brave soldiers. CM Sai expresses deep condolences: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed profound grief over the demise of the state’s former Governor, Shekhar Dutt. Sai stated that the late Shekhar Dutt was an able administrator, a visionary leader, and a personality fully dedicated to the service of the nation. With his extensive administrative experience and remarkable efficiency, he made contributions to the development of Chhattisgarh and the entire country. Sai further added that Dutt’s life was imbued with the ideal values of simplicity, dutifulness, and excellent public service. His passing marks the loss of an enlightened and diligent individual, a void that will be difficult to fill. The Chief Minister has prayed for the peace of the departed soul and for strength to the grieving family to bear this immense sorrow.