Is IAS Officer Ashok Khemka Really Retiring Tomorrow?

New Delhi, April 29 (NationPress) Ashok Khemka, a distinguished officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), renowned for his unwavering integrity and principles, is set to conclude his illustrious public service career on April 30.

With a remarkable journey spanning 34 years and an astonishing 57 transfers, his career exemplifies resilience and dedication. As a member of the 1991 batch, Khemka will retire as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, a position he has held since December 2024.

Khemka's prominence surged in 2012 when he annulled the mutation of a land deal involving Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, a key figure in the Congress party.

Mutation refers to the procedural transfer of land ownership.

Born on April 13, 1965, in Kolkata, Khemka's educational background is impressive. He graduated from the esteemed IIT Kharagpur with a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering (1988), furthering his studies with a PhD in Computer Science from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and an MBA specializing in Finance and Business Administration.

During his civil service tenure, he also obtained an LLB from Panjab University, showcasing his relentless quest for knowledge.

Khemka has become synonymous with integrity throughout his career, often serving in roles considered 'low-profile,' yet setting a standard for ethical governance.

His return to the Transport Department under Minister Anil Vij in December 2024 came nearly a decade after his previous removal from this same portfolio during Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's first term.

His stint as Transport Commissioner lasted only four months during that period.

In 2023, Khemka reached out to the Chief Minister, offering his expertise to lead the Vigilance Department with a firm focus on combating corruption.

In his letter, he highlighted the uneven distribution of workload among officers and expressed his dissatisfaction with his placement in the Archives Department.

Committed to a thorough anti-corruption campaign, he declared, "No person, regardless of their status, will escape scrutiny."

Nevertheless, Khemka's remarkable career has been fraught with challenges.

In 2023, after observing a wave of promotions among his peers, he tweeted thoughtfully, praising his colleagues while reflecting on his own situation: "Straight trees are always cut first. No regrets. With renewed resolve, I shall persist."

Over the past twelve years, Khemka has frequently been assigned to the Archives Department, with four postings there, three occurring under BJP leadership. His initial appointment to this department occurred during Congress rule in 2013.

Through the challenges of public service, Khemka's dedication to ethical governance and his unwavering sense of duty will leave a legacy that inspires future generations.