Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has voluntarily resigned from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), bringing an end to a 13-year career in public service. She announced her decision on social media on August 30, stating that the resignation was a carefully considered personal choice driven by her priorities, interests, and family responsibilities, rather than any external pressure.
Mittal, who was serving as Special Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Department at the time of her resignation, described the IAS as “merely one chapter” of her life. Her career in the civil services included significant administrative roles, including District Magistrate of Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur, and Deoria.
A Journey from Elite Education to Public Service
Mittal’s career path has garnered considerable attention due to her distinct background. She completed her B.Tech in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore. Following her academic pursuits, she worked in the financial sector in London with JP Morgan. However, she eventually left her corporate career to return to India and prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which she cleared on her second attempt with an All India Rank of 68.
Her transition from a high-paying international corporate job to the demanding life of a civil servant has been a subject of public interest, highlighting her unconventional professional journey.
Notable Contributions and Career Highlights
During her tenure as District Magistrate of Mirzapur, Mittal gained recognition for her field-focused administrative approach. One of her widely remembered initiatives was the project to provide piped drinking water to Lahuria Dah, a remote village that had long struggled with water scarcity and depended on tanker supplies. This work earned her significant public appreciation.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that her career also included postings as Assistant Secretary in NITI Aayog, Joint Managing Director of UPSIDA, and Vice Chairman of the Bareilly Development Authority. She also received the Ashok Bambawale Memorial Award during her IAS training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, for outstanding performance.
Resignation Process and Future Outlook
Mittal’s resignation is currently pending formal approval. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs will make the final decision following a recommendation from the Uttar Pradesh government. In her social media post, Mittal reflected on her 13 years in public service, stating that she had learned more from the people she served than she had given them. She indicated that her future plans might involve writing, teaching, or social service, although no definitive decisions have been made.
Her decision to leave the IAS has also brought renewed attention to her husband, Gagandeep Singh Dhillon, a former IAS officer himself. Both Mittal and Dhillon are alumni of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, further underscoring their shared background in elite education and public service.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
