Photo Source: ANI
Senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka retires, Known for integrity and 57 transfers
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 30, 2025:Ashok Khemka, Haryana’s most transferred and most principled IAS officer, is retiring today after 33 years of service. Currently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in the state’s Transport Department, Khemka will be formally given a farewell this evening by the Haryana IAS Officers Association at a ceremony in Chandigarh.
A Career Marked by Integrity and Resilience
A 1991-batch IAS officer, Khemka earned a reputation for his unwavering stance against corruption, bureaucratic irregularities, and political pressure. Despite being transferred 57 times over his career—a record that sparked national headlines—he never compromised on his principles.
National Spotlight: Cancelling the Robert Vadra Land Deal
Khemka shot to national prominence in 2012 when he cancelled a controversial land deal involving Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of then-Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
His decision, taken during the UPA regime and under the Congress-led Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana, was viewed as a bold act of defiance. Despite immense pressure, Khemka stood his ground.
Governments Changed, Khemka Didn't
Whether under Congress or BJP rule, Khemka's commitment to transparency and accountability remained consistent. In 2014, during his tenure as Transport Commissioner, he opposed the issuance of fitness certificates without proper checks—an action that led to a truckers' strike but underscored his integrity.
Unfulfilled Wish: Final Posting in Vigilance
Last year, Khemka wrote to the Chief Minister requesting a posting in the Vigilance Department before retirement, expressing his desire to be part of the anti-corruption drive.
“No one, however powerful, should be spared,” he wrote. However, that wish remained unfulfilled.
A Scholar and Servant of the People
Born in Kolkata, Khemka holds an engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur, a PhD in Computer Science from TIFR, and an MBA—an academic journey as distinguished as his administrative one.
A Legacy That Inspires
Khemka retires not just as an officer, but as a symbol of administrative courage and ethical governance. His fearless service and principled conduct will remain a benchmark for future generations of civil servants