Haamid Bukhari’s journey through setbacks, strategy and civil services success

As the newly appointed Registrar of Companies (ROC) in Jammu & Kashmir, he brings with him a sharp focus on corporate transparency, enforcement of the Companies Act, and dismantling the infrastructure of shell companies.

In this candid conversation with Greater Kashmir’s Mukeet Akmali, Bukhari traces his formative years, shares the lessons learned on the long road to success, and outlines his vision for a compliant and accountable corporate ecosystem in J&K.

MA: Could you share a bit about your early life and upbringing?

Haamid Bukhari: My father belongs to the district of Ganderbal, erstwhile Srinagar, and my mother is from Bandipora. I am born and brought up in my maternal family at Malangam Bandipora, where I completed my matriculation from a local village school, namely Ummar Public Secondary School. Since both of my parents were in Govt services working in Srinagar, i shifted to Srinagar and got my admission in DPS Srinagar for class 11th based on my excellent score in matriculation. I completed my 10+2 in the Science stream from DPS Srinagar in 2009 and scored excellent marks, around 89%. Thereafter, I always aspired to study diverse subjects and wanted to pursue a Bachelor’s in Arts. However, the timing of the CBSE results in the month of May 2009 compelled me to get admission in IUST Awantipora, as the admission session started in the month of August, 2009. Though IUST did not provide any courses for BA, I instead chose BBA (Bachelor’s in Management).

MA: What factors influenced your academic journey in the initial years?

Haamid Bukhari: Since class 6th, I was clear that there is no career path for me but the Civil Services. The IAS exam as it was known back then, and even now it is called so, was my Career goal. The eligibility to appear in the civil services exam is a graduation from any field. So I wanted to pursue a three-year degree, preferably BA, to become eligible to sit in the exam and crack it as one of the youngest candidates in the country at the age of 21. Also, had the idea of a myriad syllabus of the civil services exam requiring an interdisciplinary approach cutting across the subject matter content from both Humanities and Science, suited me well to opt for Science at +2 in DPS and later Management. However, I opted for Political Science and International Studies as my optional Subject for the Civil Services Exam in 2015. This made me to appear for the entrance to get admission in the Master’s course in Politcal Science from JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia. I was among the toppers at both universities. I chose JNU and enrolled myself in the MA Course (Politics and International Studies) called MA PISM.

MA: Were there any defining moments that shaped your ambitions?

Haamid Bukhari: Not exactly. However, during the course studies in JNU, I got more inclined towards academics and Foreign Policy. I even opted for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) as my top priority over other services. Though I couldn’t get a rank sufficient to get me allocated to the Foreign Service. Got into the Indian Corporate Law Service.

MA: Where did you complete your schooling and higher education?

Haamid Bukhari: As already stated, I completed my 10th from Ummar Public Secondary School, Malangam, located in District Bandipora.

I did my +2 from Delhi Public School, Srinagar. Thereafter, completed a BBA from IUST Awantipora. Enrolled myself in MA Politics in International Studies at JNU and during my Second year, I cleared UPSC All India Civil Services Examination in 2016. During my training and probation, I was also conferred a Post-Graduation Diploma in Business and Allied Laws by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU Bangalore).

MA: Which subjects interested you the most and why?

Haamid Bukhari: It was always Political Science and International Relations. The subject matter appeared fascinating, practical and easy to relate to the news and surroundings. Had inculcated a habit of keeping a track of current affairs, reading newspapers, watching Doordarshan, BBC, etc.

MA: Were there any mentors or experiences that shaped your aspirations?

Haamid Bukhari: Since my parents, in particular my dad, were working in the State Government and mostly got his postings in the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar. Through him, I got an opportunity to meet extended family and friends. There were many IAS/IPS/KAS officers around, whom i knew personally and got opportunities to socialise. The experiences gave me a lot of exposure and somehow shaped my aspirations. With the Shah Faesal Sir, Rayees bhai clearing the civil services exam in 2010, my ambition of getting into civil service appeared closer. One person whom I call my mentor for Civil Services is Mr Shoaib Noor, JKAS Officer.

MA: What inspired you to pursue the UPSC examination?

Haamid Bukhari: Childhood dream, Bollywood movies depicting IPS officer characters, etc., were childhood inspirations. However, the real purpose of being in public service I realised years later while pursuing the preparations for Civils, is the impact you create with your work.

MA: How did you approach your preparation strategy and routine?

Haamid Bukhari: I joined Jamia Hamdard Residential Coaching Academy (JHRCA) to get an environment to customise my preparations and keep it specific to civil services. The routine was 6-8 hours of study per day in the in-house library of Jamia Hamdard University. Plus was privileged to find good companions during preparation like Bilal Mohiddudin Bhat IAS, Shahnawaz Bhat IFS, Shakeel Maqbool ICAS, Prof Shaveta Chandwani, Navjot Simmi IPS, etc.

MA: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Haamid Bukhari:  Couldn’t clear the exam in my first two attempts, primarily for the reason that I couldn’t complete the papers in MAINS exam. The challenge appeared to remain relevant with the exam-oriented content and to present it in the exam concisely. In the third attempt, wrote 4-5 test papers before writing the final examination.

MA: How did you stay motivated during difficult phases of preparation?

Haamid Bukhari: My parents used to say that you have burned all of your boats. I had perceived that i have nothing to fall back upon. This made me realise that clearing UPSC Civil Services Exam should be a do-or-die for me. This kept an ideological sword hanging over my head. I was fortunate to have cleared it in my third attempt at the age of 24.

MA: What do you think was the turning point in your journey?

Haamid Bukhari: The turning point was shifting to Jamia Hamdard, where i could get an opportunity and the environment that made me dedicated to having an exclusive focus on the exam.

MA: What key lessons did you learn throughout this process?

Haamid Bukhari: Thorough understanding of the subject matter with clear basics lay the foundational plinth, plus following your daily routine with strict discipline on a consistent basis, patience, and perseverance are the cardinal virtues.

MA: Looking back, what would you do differently?

Haamid Bukhari: If given a chance, would have studied mu Bachelors as well as Masters from JNU. JNU is an institute of excellence for Social Sciences.

MA: How do you see your role in public service?

Haamid Bukhari: Public Service to me means governance at the footsteps of citizens. It is like facilitation to create a fulfilling business environment. However at the same time, my public service mandate is to enforce the laws, regulate corporate sector and create an enabling environment to achieve the goal of a developed India.

MA: Which areas of governance are you most passionate about?

Haamid Bukhari: Economic Security architecture, Market Intelligence, Enforcement action for violation of laws, formalisation of more and more business structures and complete dismantling of the Ecosystem and Infrastructure of Shell companies.

MA: What changes would you like to contribute to at the policy or ground level?

Haamid Bukhari: To enforce Companies Act on the ground in both letter and spirit and all the 8000 companies in my jurisdiction should be complaint companies including the Government Companies. Won’t hesitate taking actions any deviations and flouting of laws.

ROC (Registrar of Companies) Functioning & Corporate Governance

MA: Could you briefly explain the role and functioning of the Registrar of Companies (ROC)?

Haamid Bukhari: ROCs have the mandate to function as Registry for all the corporate structures incorporated within its jurisdiction mainly companies and Limited liability partnerships. ROC acts as the Regulator for companies, right from the birth of the company to the death/winding up. There is a huge and elaborate Companies Act, 2013 that ROCs have to enforce within its jurisdiction. ROC has the power to conduct Investigations and Inspections, file prosecutions for deviant companies and violations. There are dedicated specialised courts in each state for dealing with the matters of Chargesheets filed by ROCs. ROC is empowered with Search and Seizure powers besides filing prosecutions in the courts. Also ROC functions as Adjudicating Officer for certain offences and can levy penalties as high as above 2 Crore.

MA: How important is ROC in ensuring corporate transparency and compliance?

Haamid Bukhari: Whatever companies do, they have to report everything to ROC electronically and get the documents registered with ROC. The examples are like Board meetings, filing of financial statements, Balance-sheets, CSR filings, taking of loans and its usage, deposits, disclosures of Related parties, significant beneficiary ownership etc. Inshort everything a company does, has to be reported to the ROC and in most of the matters, have to take approvals from the Regulator. To ensure compliance, ROC is empowered by the law to impose penalties. ROC can strike off companies permanently in certain cases. ROC can file prosecution in designated special courts against the companies.

MA: What are the common challenges faced by businesses in dealing with ROC procedures?

Haamid Bukhari: May be in J&K, there was not much awareness about ROC offices. In 2019, Ministry of Corporate Affairs made the Srinagar office effectively operational and the office started creating awareness programs, with a laser like focus. The business community was also made aware about the laws and enforcements that ROC does. ROC office struck off some 800-1000 companies. Srinagar office made an outreach with business community and made them aware about the mandatory compliances. ROC Office also imposed penalties worth Lakhs on some companies for violation of companies laws.

MA: In your opinion, how can ROC processes be simplified for small businesses and startups?

Haamid Bukhari: It is very simple. Registration of company is totally automatic process and one gets the company incorporated within 6-8 hours instantly through the establishment of Central Registration Centre. There are numerous exemptions for smaller businesses and startups and these exemptions are evolving in nature.

MA: How effective has digitization been in improving ROC services?

Haamid Bukhari: MCA21 is the first successful e-gov project in the Government of India, and i feel privileged that Ministry of Corporate Affairs and its field offices like ROCs are 100% digital. The digitisation mode is implemented in ROCs for more than 15 years now.

MA: What reforms would you suggest to strengthen corporate governance through ROC systems?

Haamid Bukhari: Let me begin the work first. Have joined the office this week only. Reforms would come while having the interaction with all the stakeholders, strengthening the feedback loop in the system. I am very clear on the aspect of enforcement, regulation as well as developmental role my office should play, in shaping the good corporate governance.

Advice for Aspirants

MA: What advice would you give to UPSC aspirants, especially those from smaller regions?

Haamid Bukhari: Sky is the limit. If you really aspire to clear UPSC Civil Services, keep a track of developments around and inculcate a habit of reading newspapers. This exam requires a repository of knowledge, and one needs to be well-read and well-informed. There is plenty of free material available on the Internet.

MA: How should aspirants balance consistency and mental well-being?

Haamid Bukhari: By staying in close contact with the family and loved ones. This exam exhausts you mentally. It is very important to be emotionally charged positively.

MA: What common mistakes should they avoid?

Haamid Bukhari: Don’t study too many books. Read the basic NCERT Books as prescribed. Read the single standard book for each of the subjects of General Studies. Be an expert in your optional Subject. Do keep a track of current affairs of the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Read the newspaper daily. Practice any one test series available in the market.

Message to Youth

MA: What message would you like to share with the youth of Kashmir and the country?

Haamid Bukhari: Pursue your dreams in whatever field you aspire for. Don’t be limited to Civil Services. Sky is the limit.

MA: How can young people contribute meaningfully to nation-building?

Haamid Bukhari:  By innovative ideas. By implementing them institutionally.