IAS officer Ashok Khemka is once again in the news thanks to the Haryana government’s decision to transfer him from the state Transport Department to a low profile Archaeology and Museums Department. The decision was taken on Wednesday, April 1. This is Khemka’s 45th transfer in 24 years of service, reports NDTV .
Khemka tweeted on Wednesday calling the transfer a ‘painful moment’.
What did Khemka do to earn another transfer?
According to NDTV , Khemka reportedly had a disagreement with state Transport Minister Ram Bilas Sharma over an order given by Khemka to penalise overloaded vehicles.
A report in Times of India , added that Khemka had denied fitness certificates to over-sized trucks and vehicles, which caused a strike in Haryana in January. The report adds that Khemka’s stance that the vehicle rules should be strictly implemented irked the transporters’ lobby.
Source: IBN Live
Robert Vadra land deal controversy
Ashok Khemka shot to limelight soon after he cancelled a Rs 58 crore land deal between Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, with realty business giant DLF in 2012. The then Congress government in Haryana filed a chargesheet against Khemka.
Soon after the BJP government took charge at the Centre, the Civil Services Board approved a central deputation for Khemka. He also reported that he was facing death threats for taking on Vadra.
45 transfers in 24 years
1991 batch Haryana cadre IAS officer Khemka has worked in the Civil Services for over 24 years with over 45 postings.
Haryana government dismissed the allegation that it was targetting Khemka and called it a routine decision. It should be noted that nine other officers were also transferred by the Haryana government.
Why is India is losing out on honest officers?
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