Ashok Khemka, a 1991-batch IAS officer from the Haryana cadre, officially retired on 30 April 2025, marking the end of a career spanning over 34 years. Khemka became a household name in India due to his unyielding integrity, fight against corruption, and frequent transfers — a record 57 transfers, often politically motivated.
Early Life and Education
Born on 30 April 1965 in Kolkata, Ashok Khemka comes from a humble background. His father worked as a clerk in a jute mill, but Khemka excelled academically. He graduated in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur, earned a PhD in Computer Science, and completed an MBA in Finance and Business Administration from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 1990, joining the IAS in 1991.
57 Transfers: The Price of Integrity
Throughout his career, Ashok Khemka faced 57 transfers across various departments. Notably, he:
- Was transferred 8 times within a month of taking charge
- Had his longest tenure (July 2008 – April 2010) as MD of Haryana State Warehousing Corporation
These frequent postings were a direct consequence of his zero-tolerance stance on corruption, regardless of which political party was in power.
“No matter which party was in power, I had to suffer the punishment for my honesty every time because I have been continuously exposing scams and frauds.” — Ashok Khemka
Defying Political Orders
In 2004, Khemka refused to comply with an order by then-CM Om Prakash Chautala to transfer teachers mid-session, citing negative impacts on students. In retaliation, his official vehicle was withdrawn — but Khemka chose to walk or cycle to the secretariat.
The Robert Vadra Land Deal Controversy
Ashok Khemka gained national attention in 2012 when he cancelled the mutation of a controversial land deal between Robert Vadra’s Skylight Hospitality and DLF in Gurugram. At that time, Vadra was the son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. This move brought immense political backlash and led to Khemka’s swift transfer.
Final Posting Before Retirement
Five months before retiring, Khemka was appointed as Additional Chief Secretary in the Transport Department, replacing 1994-batch IAS Navdeep Virk. The appointment was made following a recommendation by Anil Vij, the minister in charge of the department.
Prior to this, he served in the Printing and Stationery Department.
A Legacy of Uncompromising Ethics
Ashok Khemka’s legacy stands out in the Indian bureaucracy. Despite political pressure, threats, and career instability, he consistently upheld values of transparency, accountability, and justice.
His career raises a crucial question about the plight of honest officers in India — punished not for wrongdoing, but for doing the right thing.
Conclusion
As Ashok Khemka retires, India bids farewell to a rare civil servant who chose ethics over convenience, truth over politics, and service over silence. While his journey may have been turbulent, it will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future bureaucrats