Ashok Khemka, the senior IAS officer recognized for his unyielding integrity throughout his 33-year career, is set to retire on April 30, 2025, after completing an impressive yet tumultuous journey marked by 57 postings across various departments. Khemka, a 1991-batch officer, was appointed as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for the Transport Department just months before his retirement. This appointment comes after his recent tenure in the Printing and Stationery Department, further cementing his role as a dedicated civil servant.
Khemka’s career has been nothing short of eventful, with a reputation for challenging corruption and inefficiency in government operations. This new posting as ACS for the Transport Department comes nearly a decade after he served as the Transport Commissioner during the first term of the BJP government under Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Despite his brief four-month tenure in the department at the time, Khemka’s decision to decline the issuance of fitness certificates for oversized trucks, resulting in a truckers’ strike, demonstrated his commitment to upholding the law and promoting reform. His stance led to a one-year deadline for truckers to modify their vehicles according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) of 1989.
However, his principled actions were not without consequences. Khemka was moved from the transport department to the Archaeology and Museums Department after the strike, a transfer that he later described as painful. The decision reflected his frequent and often controversial postings within various departments, many of which were seen as less influential or high-profile. Over the years, Khemka has expressed frustration over what he perceived as setbacks in his career, particularly due to his confrontations with corruption within the system.
In January 2023, Khemka wrote to Chief Minister Khattar, offering his services to head the Vigilance Bureau and root out corruption from within the state government. In his letter, Khemka reiterated his passion for fighting graft, promising a vigorous crackdown on corruption if given the opportunity. His dedication to transparency and integrity has defined his professional life, despite the frequent transfers and challenges.
Throughout his tenure, Khemka has faced continuous transfers—on average, every six months—often to departments where his influence was limited. Despite these challenges, Khemka has remained committed to public service, and his recent appointment to the Transport Department is a reminder of his ongoing efforts to make a difference.
Khemka’s reflections on his career, particularly his sentiments after being left behind in promotions two years ago, underscore the challenges faced by officers who prioritize integrity over career advancement. In a tweet at the time, he expressed mixed feelings after his batchmates were appointed as Secretaries to the Government of India, saying, “Straight trees are always cut first.” His unwavering resolve to continue his work, despite the professional hurdles, reflects his dedication to the ideals he holds dear.
As Ashok Khemka prepares to retire in 2025, his legacy will be remembered for his relentless fight against corruption, his willingness to challenge the system, and his personal sacrifices for the greater good. His career stands as a testament to the complex realities faced by civil servants in India, especially those who stand firm in their pursuit of transparency and justice.
Sources By Agencies
