Kumar Bahukhandi
Former Governor of Chhattisgarh Shekhar Dutt -File Photo
Former Governor of Chhattisgarh and retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of 1969 batch from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Besides he became a short service commission officer in the Indian Army.
Dutt passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday July 2, 2025 .
He was 80 and breathed his last at AIIMS in New Delhi where he was admitted following major health issues. Dutt was the fourth Governor of Chhattisgarh and assumed the office on January 23, 2010. He served the post till his resignation on June 18, 2014.
He was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry while serving with 218 Medium Regiment during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He held various posts in the Madhya Pradesh government, including Principal Secretary in the Department of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Welfare and Principal Secretary, Departments of School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare.
Dutt was appointed Secretary of the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India. As Director General of the Sports Authority of India, Dutt played a role in the hosting of the Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad, India in November 2003.
He eventually became the Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production and later took over as the Defence Secretary of India in 2005. In July 2007, Dutt retired as Defence Secretary and was appointed Deputy National Security Advisor for a two-year term.
In September 2009, Dutt was named to the board of trustees of DeSales University.
Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka expressed his deepest condolences and prayed for his soul finds rest in peace ‘. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed grief over the passing away of Shekhar Dutt. Chief Minister Sai said that late Shekhar Dutt was an efficient administrator, visionary leader and a person fully dedicated to the service of the country. With his long administrative experience and amazing efficiency, he made a significant contribution to the development of the entire country including Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Sai further said that the life of late Dutt was full of ideal values of simplicity, dedication and excellent public service. With his demise, the country has lost an enlightened and hardworking personality, which is difficult to compensate.
The Chief Minister has prayed to God to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this grief.
