IAS Officer Ashok Khemka, Known for Anti-Corruption Stance, Retires After 57 Transfers
A Career Marked by Integrity and Frequent Moves
Ashok Khemka, a senior IAS officer renowned for his unwavering stance against corruption, is bidding farewell to public service after a remarkable 34-year career. Khemka, who has served in 57 different postings, is retiring on Wednesday as the additional chief secretary of the Transport Department in Haryana.
A 2012 Moment That Brought Him National Attention
Khemka’s name became a household one in 2012 when he took the bold step of canceling a land deal mutation in Gurugram that involved Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. This action, which involved a process called mutation for transferring land ownership, showcased his commitment to upholding integrity, even in the face of potential political pressure.
Born on April 30, 1965, in Kolkata, Khemka boasts impressive academic credentials. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur, a PhD from TIFR, an MBA in Business Administration and Finance, and an LLB from Panjab University. Despite his high qualifications, his career path was anything but ordinary.
The “One Transfer Every Six Months” Story
Khemka’s career was characterized by a unique record: an average of one transfer every six months. This frequency is believed to be the highest among Haryana’s bureaucrats. While some speculate that these frequent postings were a tactic to sideline him due to his strong anti-corruption stance, Khemka has consistently maintained his commitment to his principles.
In his last posting before retirement, he returned to the transport department under Minister Anil Vij, nearly a decade after his previous four-month stint in the same role.
A Final Wish: To Lead the Fight Against Corruption
In a letter to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in 2023, Khemka expressed his desire to head the vigilance department to combat corruption. He vowed to wage a “real war against corruption,” sparing no one, regardless of their status.
He also highlighted the uneven distribution of work among bureaucrats, stating that it does not serve the public interest.
Reflections on a Career
Khemka has often served in departments considered less prominent, including four stints in the Archives department. He openly acknowledged that his postings were sometimes neglected, while some officers were burdened with multiple roles and responsibilities. He has maintained that his career choices were driven by his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, even if it meant sacrificing career advancement.
