The Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Ajay Rai, has requested the state Governor, Anandiben Patel, to intervene in the matter of IAS officer Divya Mittal’s resignation. Rai’s letter to the Governor highlights concerns about the treatment of capable administrative officers and urges protection for their independent functioning to maintain public trust in the democratic system.
Mittal, a 2013-batch officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, announced her resignation on social media on August 30, after serving for approximately 13 years. Her decision has sparked political discussions, with the Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, also criticizing the government, alleging that honest officers are not receiving due respect amidst corruption and “commission culture,” leading many to consider retirement.
Rai’s letter to the Governor specifically questions the reassignment of Mittal, a highly regarded officer, from field responsibilities to the less prominent position of Special Secretary in the Revenue Department. He pointed out that since the formation of the current government in 2017, as many as 13 IAS officers have either resigned or taken voluntary retirement, suggesting this trend warrants serious introspection. Rai emphasized that IAS officers serve the Constitution and the public, not any political party, and their impartiality and respect are crucial for the strength of democracy.
Divya Mittal, who earned degrees from IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, had previously left a lucrative corporate career in London to join the Indian Administrative Service, driven by a desire for meaningful work and to contribute to nation-building. She has served in various districts, including Meerut, Gonda, Kanpur Nagar, Bareilly, and Sant Kabir Nagar. Notably, during her tenure as District Magistrate of Mirzapur, she was recognized for her efforts in bringing piped water to a remote village, an initiative that garnered significant public attention. Despite this, she was transferred from Mirzapur and later served as District Magistrate in Deoria before her final posting as Special Secretary in the Revenue Department in Lucknow.
Mittal’s resignation is reportedly awaiting formal approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, following a recommendation from the Uttar Pradesh government. While Mittal has stated her resignation is a personal decision driven by her priorities and interests, her departure from the civil service has prompted a wider discussion on the reasons why senior civil servants choose to leave their posts despite having secure careers. She described her IAS tenure as merely “one chapter” of her life, indicating that leaving the service does not mean abandoning her broader ambitions.
The Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Ajay Rai, has been involved in other political controversies, including facing an FIR for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and violating public order. He has claimed that a video showing him making such remarks is AI-generated. Additionally, Rai had claimed to be under “house arrest” in Ayodhya in June 2026, while attempting to visit the Ram temple.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
