Lucknow: Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has voluntarily resigned from her position, concluding a 13-year career in public service. Mittal announced her decision through a post on social media platform X on Sunday, reflecting on her journey as an “unforgettable” experience.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mittal, an alumna of prestigious institutions including IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, had previously worked in the finance industry in London. She had returned to India with the stated desire to serve her country, feeling that something was incomplete despite her professional success abroad. She had secured the 68th rank in the UPSC Civil Services examination in her second attempt in 2013, having qualified for the Indian Police Service in her first attempt in 2012.
During her tenure in Uttar Pradesh, Mittal served as the District Magistrate in three districts: Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur, and Deoria. She was later appointed as the Special Secretary in the state government’s Revenue Department. Her service as District Magistrate in Mirzapur gained particular attention for initiatives such as bringing tap water supply to the remote village of Lahuriadah, a project that had been pending for 75 years. In Deoria, she was recognized for her efforts in implementing government schemes at the grassroots level and for decisive administrative actions.
Reflecting on her postings, Mittal shared her learnings on X. She stated that Deoria taught her that “standing with what is right is not an option, but a duty,” and that Mirzapur showed her that “‘impossible’ is not a fact, but just an opinion.” She also emphasized the importance of protecting individual dignity, noting that behind every government file, there is a person, and that true justice lies in safeguarding their dignity.
While Mittal did not explicitly state the reasons for her resignation, her social media posts suggest a desire to explore new avenues or fulfill other aspirations. There has been speculation in political circles regarding her future, with some suggesting a potential political entry. However, ThePrint reported that government sources indicated potential differences with Apna Dal (Soneylal) MP Anupriya Patel and her husband, UP minister Ashish Patel, during Mittal’s tenure as District Magistrate in Mirzapur. This tension reportedly intensified following an event related to the piped water supply project in Lahuria village, after which Mittal was transferred out of Mirzapur.
The Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also commented on the situation indirectly, alleging on X that honest officers in Uttar Pradesh are under pressure due to corruption within the BJP government, which sometimes leads to their resignations. He stated that effective governance and administration cannot function without honest officers.
Mittal’s decision to resign comes after 13 years of service, during which she made notable contributions to administrative reforms and public welfare projects in Uttar Pradesh. The exact reasons behind her voluntary resignation remain undisclosed by the officer herself.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
