IAS officer Iqram Shariff of the 2016 Karnataka cadre on Monday assumed charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district.

Outgoing Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum formally handed over charge to Mr. Shariff and greeted him with a bouquet at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The State government recently transferred Ms. Taranum as Commissioner of the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department and appointed Mr. Shariff, who was serving as Joint Secretary (Budget and Resources) in the Finance Department, in her place.

A native of Karnataka, Mr. Shariff holds degrees in Economics and Public Administration.

During his earlier tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Ramanagara Zilla Panchayat, he was appreciated for measures taken to improve SSLC examination results there. He also received the Best CEO Award. He has experience of working in the Finance Department for the past three-four years, particularly in preparation of the State Budget.

Speaking after assuming office, Mr. Shariff said that emphasis will be laid on people-friendly administration by responding promptly to public grievances.

“It is an opportunity to serve in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Special attention will be given to health and education sectors in the district. Several major projects are under implementation and efforts will be made to expedite and complete them,” he said.

He said that priority will be given to attract industries capable of generating employment and providing skill training to local youth as part of the district’s overall development strategy. He appealed to elected representatives, organisations and the public to cooperate in the district’s development initiatives.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhanwar Singh Meena, Superintendent of Police Addur Srinivasulu, Kalaburagi City Corporation Commissioner Avinash Shinde, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rayappa Hunasagi, Assistant Commissioners Sahitya Aladakatti and Prabhureddy, tahsildars and other district-level officers were present to greet the Deputy Commissioner.