Ashok Khemka (IAS) Quick Info
| Age | Wife | Caste | Profession |
| 58 years | Jyoti Khemka | Vaishya (Marwari) | Indian Administrative Service officer of 1991 batch |
Biography – Wiki
| Full Name | Dr. Ashok Khemka |
| Profession | Civil Servant (IAS) |
| Physical Stats – Height - Weight & More | |
| Height (approx.) | In Centimeters - 173 Cm In Meters - 1.73 M In Feet Inches - 5’ 8” |
| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms - 75 Kg In Pounds - 165 Lbs |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Exploring the Personal Life of Ashok Khemka | |
| Date of Birth | Ashok Khemka was born on April 30, 1965. |
| Age | As of 2024, Ashok Khemka is 58 years old. |
| Birthplace | He was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. |
| Zodiac sign | Ashok Khemka's zodiac sign is Taurus. |
| Nationality | He is an Indian citizen. |
| Hometown | His hometown is Kolkata, West Bengal, India. |
| College/University | Ashok Khemka attended the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). |
| Educational Qualification | He holds a Bachelor in Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science, a Ph.D. in Computer Science, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), and a Masters in Arts (MA) in Economics. |
| Family | There is limited information available about his parents and siblings. |
| Religion | Ashok Khemka practices Hinduism. |
| Caste | He belongs to the Vaishya caste, specifically Marwari. |
| Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details | |
| Family | Father- Shanker Lal Khemka worked as an accountant in the Alliance Jute Mill. Mother- Sabitri Khemka Siblings: Sisters - Ashok was the middle child, sandwiched between two sisters—Alka, a year older than him, and Rakhi, over four years younger than him. |
| Career Timeline of Ashok Khemka | |
| 1991 | Ashok Khemka belongs to the 1991 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of the Haryana Cadre. |
| 1991-2013 | Throughout his career, Khemka has been repeatedly transferred by various state governments to his home cadre of Haryana after he exposed corruption in the departments he was posted in. |
| 4-Apr-13 | Khemka was posted as Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Department of Archives and Archaeology. |
| 26-Apr-13 | Additionally, he was given the charge of Director General (DG) Archives and Archaeology. |
| Apr-13 | This posting marked his 45th in his 20-year career excluding his 2-year training period. |
| Previous month | Prior to his new posting, Khemka had exposed what he believed to be an untoward deal and had requested an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The government of Haryana rejected this request, leading to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Bhiwani-based NGO regarding the same scandal. |
| 18-Oct-13 | The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a preliminary enquiry into alleged irregularities in the purchase of wheat seeds by the Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (HAFED), seeking registration of a case against officials of the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) and National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) for selling seeds at inflated prices to HAFED. |
| Previous | Ashok Khemka served as the Managing Director in the Haryana Seeds Development Corporation. |
| Unspecified | And the transfer this time was quite humiliating. At 15:30, an officer of the rank of Under Secretary of the government, at least five levels below me, appeared with an order of the Principal Secretary of Agriculture, appointing him as the MD of the Corporation and asked me to step down," Khemka told news channels. |
| Transfers under Khattar regime | |
| 2014 | Under the Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Manohar Lal Khattar, Ashok Khemka's transfers continued. In November 2014, he was appointed as the transport commissioner. However, his crackdown on overloading and oversized goods vehicles led to a strike by truck owners. Additionally, his efforts to break monopolies in private bus operations provoked a strike by state transport undertaking (STU) unions. Consequently, he was transferred to the archaeology and museums department in April 2015. |
| Oct-17 | As the principal secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Women Empowerment, Khemka clashed with his superior, Minister Krishna Bedi, over allegations of the minister misusing a department vehicle for over a year. He also objected to alleged special treatment given to Chief Minister Khattar's personal staff on the eve of Diwali. In November, he was transferred to the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports. |
| Mar-19 | In yet another transfer, marking his 52nd, Khemka was reassigned to the Science and Technology Department. |
| Posting detail | |
| Mar-19 | As of March 2019, Ashok Khemka had been posted in a staggering 51 departments and was serving as the Director General (DG) of Archives & Archaeology in the Haryana state. |
| Jan 2023 | As of January 2023, he has been transferred 55 times by state governments over the course of 29 years, following his exposure of corruption in the departments where he was assigned. |
| Jan 2024 | In Jan 2024, the Haryana government transferred senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka, marking his 56th posting in a career spanning approximately 30 years. Additionally, four Haryana Civil Service officers were also transferred simultaneously in the shuffle. Khemka, who was serving as the Additional Chief Secretary at the Science and Technology Department, was reassigned as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Archives Department, as per an official statement. The statement did not provide specific reasons for the transfers. |
| Awards received by Ashok Khemka | |
| Ashok Khemka received the S.R. Jindal Prize in 2011, along with Sanjiv Chaturvedi, for their "Crusade against Corruption," which included a cash prize of ₹10 Lakhs. Additionally, he was honored with the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust Commendation on Public Works in 2009. | |
| Personal Life and Family | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Date | Not Known |
| Wife/Spouse | Jyoti Khemka - He is married to Jyoti, and they have two sons, Ganesh and Srinath. |
| Children | Sons - Srinath Khemka is currently Practicing as Lawyer in Punjab & Haryana High Court and also deals with cases before Delhi High Court. Ganesh Khemka is a Lawyer |
| Net Worth, Assets & Properties | |
| Net worth | 2 Crores INR |
| Salary (Annually) | Rs. 40 lakhs, As an Additional Chief Secretary |
| Assets/Properties | Not Known |
Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Ashok Khemka’s life
Early Life and Academic Struggles
- Ashok Khemka was born in Kolkata, India, into a lower middle-class family. His father worked as a clerk in a jute factory.
- He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 1988 with a B.Tech degree in Computer Science Engineering.
- Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.
- He also obtained an MBA degree in Business Administration and Finance.
- After completing his education, he cleared the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exams and was selected for the Haryana cadre.
- Additionally, he holds an MA Economics degree from IGNOU.
- Ashok Khemka has reportedly topped the Law Entrance Test of Punjab University (PU) by securing 166.37 marks.
- Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at Punjab University.
Highlighted Land Deal corruption
- Ashok Khemka brought attention to the corruption surrounding land deals in Gurgaon and nearby areas, particularly regarding the conversion of commercial land.
- According to reports, the estimated corruption involved amounts ranging from ₹20,000 crore (US$3 billion) to ₹350,000 crore (US$44 billion).
- Serving as Haryana’s Director-General of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector-General of Registration, Khemka uncovered significant irregularities within the department during his 80-day tenure.
- He identified serious discrepancies in land transactions, including the transfer of panchayat land worth hundreds of crores of rupees to newly established real estate companies.
- Khemka’s transfer on October 11, 2012, did not deter his efforts; he continued to pursue action on the matter even after his relocation.
- Claiming victimization, Khemka asserted that he had been harassed and transferred 40 times over the past 21 years for simply performing his duties.
- As the Managing Director of Haryana Seeds Development Corporation Limited, Khemka exposed irregularities within the organization within five months of assuming the role.
- Subsequently, on April 4, 2013, he was transferred and replaced by B. S. Duggal, a Deputy Secretary several ranks below him.
The Vadra Land Deal
- The State Government established an Inquiry Committee comprising three senior IAS officers to investigate Ashok Khemka regarding the cancellation of a land deal involving Robert Vadra in village Sikhohpur, Gurgaon.
- In response to the report submitted by the Inquiry Committee, Khemka provided his comments to the State Government, which were organized into eight chapters.
- Chapter 6 of Khemka’s comments specifically delves into the details of Robert Vadra’s land deal.
- Rao Inderjit Singh, a member of the Lok Sabha representing Gurgaon, emphasized the necessity of conducting a comprehensive inquiry to either validate or refute the allegations against Robert Vadra.
- Singh highlighted the scrutiny surrounding Vadra’s business dealings with real estate giant DLF, which have been questioned by Ashok Khemka.
- He advocated for Vadra’s land transactions to be investigated as part of a broader examination into alleged irregular practices related to the government’s appropriation and sale of nearly 1200 acres of land.
Death threat Received by Ashok
- Following his expression of concerns regarding the illegal land acquisition involving Robert Vadra, the husband of Priyanka Gandhi, Ashok Khemka alleged that he had received death threats.
- Khemka had raised objections regarding suspicious land deals allegedly involving Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
Ashok Khemka Controversies
- Appointment Controversy: Ashok Khemka stirred controversy by requesting the Chief Minister to appoint him as the Vigilance chief to combat corruption in the state. This plea came amidst his recent transfer, marking the 56th in his three-decade-long career, with his current assignment being the additional chief secretary of the Archives department.
- Previous Transfer Dispute: Khemka’s career has been marked by frequent controversies and transfers. He was previously removed from the position of additional chief secretary of the Science and Technology department after expressing concerns about the lack of work following a departmental merger.
- Gurugram Land Deal Probe: Khemka’s involvement in the investigation of a land deal between Robert Vadra’s Sky Light Hospitality and DLF in Gurugram added to the controversies. Khemka, then serving as the director-general of consolidation of holdings, set aside the mutation of Sky Light’s 3.53-acre land, sparking further scrutiny.
- HSWC Recruitment Controversy: Khemka’s clash with fellow IAS officer Sanjeev Verma over alleged irregularities in Haryana State Warehousing Corporation (HSWC) recruitments further fueled the controversies. Khemka sought Verma’s transfer out of HSWC, expressing concerns about potential tampering of records and fabrication of evidence.
- Police Complaint and FIR: Cross-FIRs were registered against Khemka and Verma regarding the HSWC recruitment issue. Khemka accused Verma of lodging a police complaint against him without government permission and raised concerns about the fairness of the investigation.
- Government Intervention: Home Minister Anil Vij intervened in the matter, accompanying Khemka to direct the registration of an FIR against Verma and others involved. This intervention added a political dimension to the ongoing controversy.
- Portfolio Connection: Anil Vij’s involvement is noteworthy as he holds the Science and Technology portfolio, the department where Khemka serves as Additional Chief Secretary, underscoring the intertwining of administrative and political dynamics in the controversy.
The Resilient Journey of Ashok Khemka
Ashok Khemka’s life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to fighting corruption and injustice. Despite facing numerous challenges, including frequent transfers, controversies, and even death threats, Khemka has remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth and accountability. His commitment to upholding integrity and ethical values in public service has earned him both admiration and respect. Khemka’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating that with determination and integrity, one can overcome any obstacle and make a meaningful impact on society. As he continues to champion transparency and accountability, Ashok Khemka stands as a shining example of a true public servant dedicated to the welfare of the people.
Ashok Khemka – Presence and Activity on Social Media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ashok Khemka?
Ashok Khemka is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer known for his role in exposing corruption in various government departments.
How many times has Ashok Khemka been transferred?
As of the latest available information, Ashok Khemka has been transferred 56 times in his career spanning over 30 years.
What is Ashok Khemka's educational background?
Ashok Khemka holds a B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering, a Ph.D. in Computer Science, an MBA in Business Administration and Finance, and an MA in Economics.
In which cadre is Ashok Khemka serving?
Ashok Khemka is serving in the Haryana cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
What awards has Ashok Khemka received for his work?
He was awarded the S.R. Jindal Prize in 2011 for "Crusade against Corruption" and received the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust Commendation on Public Works in 2009.
What are the notable controversies involving Ashok Khemka?
Khemka has been involved in controversies related to land deals, government transfers, and clashes with fellow bureaucrats over alleged irregularities.
What is the Gurugram land deal controversy?
Khemka raised concerns about a land deal involving Robert Vadra, leading to controversies and investigations into alleged irregularities.
How did Ashok Khemka respond to his frequent transfers?
Khemka has consistently maintained that his transfers were a result of exposing corruption, and he has faced them with resilience and dedication.
What prompted Khemka's request to be appointed as Vigilance chief?
His request to be appointed as the Vigilance chief was driven by his desire to combat corruption in the state.
What is the HSWC recruitment controversy involving Khemka?
Khemka clashed with Sanjeev Verma over alleged irregularities in Haryana State Warehousing Corporation (HSWC) recruitments, leading to FIRs and government intervention.
How has Ashok Khemka been recognized for his efforts?
Apart from awards, Khemka has received commendation for his efforts to expose corruption and maintain transparency in public service.
What is Khemka's current posting?
As of the latest information, Ashok Khemka is serving as the additional chief secretary of the Archives department.
How has Ashok Khemka contributed to transparency in government dealings?
Khemka has played a significant role in exposing corruption and advocating for transparency in various government transactions.
What is the significance of Khemka's role in the Science and Technology department?
His role in the Science and Technology department involved expressing concerns about workload following a merger, leading to his removal.
What steps has Khemka taken to protect against tampering of records in the HSWC controversy?
Khemka sought the transfer of Sanjeev Verma and requested custody of relevant records to prevent tampering in the HSWC controversy.
How did the Gurugram land deal controversy affect Khemka's career?
The controversy surrounding the Gurugram land deal added to Khemka's challenges but did not deter him from pursuing his commitment to transparency.
What is Khemka's stance on the fairness of the investigations against him?
Khemka has raised concerns about the fairness of investigations against him, asserting that certain actions were taken without government permission.
How has Home Minister Anil Vij been involved in Khemka's controversies?
Home Minister Anil Vij intervened in the HSWC recruitment controversy, directing officers to register an FIR on Khemka's complaint against Sanjeev Verma.
What is the political dimension in Khemka's controversies?
Anil Vij's involvement in directing the FIR adds a political dimension, as he holds the Science and Technology portfolio, the department where Khemka serves.
How has Khemka's career inspired others?
Khemka's resilience and commitment to truth have served as an inspiration, demonstrating the impact an individual can make in the pursuit of integrity.
What legal actions has Khemka taken to address controversies?
Khemka has taken legal actions, including writing letters and seeking clarifications, to address controversies and ensure a fair investigation.
How did Khemka contribute to the field of archives and archaeology?
Khemka's role as the additional chief secretary of the Archives department reflects his diverse experience and contributions to the field.
What has been the response of the public to Khemka's endeavors?
The public has expressed both admiration and respect for Khemka's efforts in fighting corruption and promoting transparency.
How does Khemka balance his administrative duties with pursuing justice?
Khemka manages to balance his administrative duties while actively pursuing justice and exposing corruption, showcasing his multitasking abilities.
What does Khemka's career symbolize in the context of Indian bureaucracy?
Ashok Khemka's career symbolizes the challenges faced by honest bureaucrats in navigating a complex bureaucratic system and standing up against corruption for the greater good.
