Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — In a notable development within the Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy, Mohammad Mustafa, a senior IAS officer and Principal Secretary of the Public Enterprises Department, has applied for voluntary retirement. Mustafa, a 1995 batch officer, has served in key positions under various governments.
Mustafa’s decision to seek voluntary retirement adds to a growing trend of IAS officers opting for early retirement in the state. In his application, Mustafa stated, “Now I am not interested in the job,” citing personal reasons for his request.
This trend has created a distinct atmosphere within the state’s bureaucracy, with multiple officers stepping down in recent years. Last year alone, three IAS officers from the Uttar Pradesh cadre sought voluntary retirement. Senior IAS officer Rajiv Agarwal previously resigned to join a high-ranking position in a private company.
Observers and insiders attribute this wave of retirements to increasing pressures and strict guidelines imposed by the current government. Officers feel their ability to perform effectively is hampered by stringent regulations and enhanced surveillance.
One senior official commented, “The power of IAS officers is decreasing day by day. The strict oversight and the influence of IPS officers have made higher administrative service a burden for many.”
Last year on July 28, an order was issued for the repatriation of Renuka Kumar, a 1987 batch senior IAS officer, to Uttar Pradesh from her central deputation. Just days before, on July 25, Kumar had applied for VRS, addressing her request to the Secretary of DoPT and informing the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary.
In addition, Vikas Gothwal, a 2003 batch officer, and Juthika Patankar, a 1988 batch officer, also sought voluntary retirement. Gothwal cited health reasons, while Patankar, who was serving in the Central Information Commission, mentioned personal reasons.
In 2019, Rajiv Agarwal, a joint secretary level officer, resigned from his position to take up a senior role at the taxi startup Uber. These instances highlight a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among IAS officers, who feel constrained by the current administrative environment.
The prevailing sentiment within the bureaucracy is one of concern. “The environment has changed. Officers are feeling increasingly constrained and unable to work to their full potential,” another official remarked.
As this trend continues, the dynamics of the Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy may face significant changes, raising questions about the future of administrative governance in the state.
