Who is Ashok Khemka ? IAS Officer With 57 Transfers, Retires After 3 Decades of Service

Outlook Business Desk

Who is Ashok Khemka?

Born in Kolkata, Ashok Khemka is a 1991-batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre known for exposing corruption and working on reforms like land record digitisation and e-governance.

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Long Career Ends

Khemka retires from IAS after 33 years marked by 57 postings and consistent anti-corruption efforts in Haryana on April 30.

Early Life & Studies

Ashok Khemka, a St Stephen’s math graduate, holds degrees from IIT Kharagpur, TIFR, IGNOU, and Panjab University, including a PhD stint, MBA, MA in economics, and LLB—earned alongside his IAS service.

Vadra-DLF Case

In 2012, Khemka cancelled a land deal between Robert Vadra’s company and DLF, alleging irregularities. The move triggered controversy, led to his transfer, and drew national attention to his anti-corruption stance.

Image from Free Pik

Transfers under Govts

He was moved 21+ times under Congress and 7 times under BJP, often after exposing irregularities in various departments.

Sidelined Repeatedly

Given low-profile roles like archaeology or archives, he once posted “reward for honesty is humiliation” after a transfer.

Reforms Despite Odds

Introduced e-governance, land record digitization and pension DBT schemes, aiming for clean and tech-driven governance.

Final Posting

In December 2024, he was posted as Additional Chief Secretary in Transport—a significant role four months before retirement.

Lasting Legacy

Khemka leaves behind a legacy of integrity, admired by civil society and seen as a symbol of resistance in bureaucracy.

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