Jaipur: In a significant development that has drawn attention across administrative and legal circles, the Rajasthan High Court has ordered an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation against senior IAS officer Arti Dogra. The court raised serious concerns over the alleged deliberate delay in decision-making in a promotion-related case, observing that the circumstances warranted suspicion of corruption.
HC Orders ACB Probe, Sets Three-Month Deadline
A single-judge bench of Justice Ravi Chirania issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Superintendent Engineer RK Meena.
The court directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to conduct a detailed investigation and submit its report within three months.
The bench observed that as Discom Chairperson, Arti Dogra had deliberately withheld a decision on the petitioner’s case for several months, which ultimately led to his disqualification for promotion. The court noted that such prolonged inaction provided sufficient grounds to suspect corruption in the matter.
Read also: High Court Raps Andhra Govt, Flags Alleged Misconduct by IAS Officer Babu Ahmed in Promotion Delays
Petitioner Alleges Irregularities in Promotion Process
According to the petition, RK Meena had approached the court in December 2023, challenging the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) proceedings for 2022–23.
He argued that the department conducted the DPC without maintaining the roster system, despite clear directives from the Supreme Court and a circular issued by the Department of Personnel (DOP).
Due to these alleged irregularities, Meena claimed he was denied promotion to the post of Superintendent Engineer.
Chargesheets Issued After Filing Petition
In a significant claim, the petitioner informed the court that three separate chargesheets were issued against himafter he filed the writ petition. He alleged that these actions were taken in retaliation, further complicating his promotion prospects.
Court Seeks Clarity on Roster System, Finds Non-Compliance
During the proceedings, the court had directed the CMD to submit an additional affidavit clarifying whether the roster register was being maintained, along with the relevant records.
However, the CMD failed to provide the required information regarding roster maintenance, which further strengthened the court’s concerns regarding procedural lapses and possible misconduct.
Who Is IAS Arti Dogra?
Arti Dogra is a 2006-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre, widely known for her administrative acumen and impactful governance initiatives.
- Date of Birth: 18 July 1979
- Birthplace: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Parents: Colonel Rajendra Dogra and Kumkum Dogra (school principal)
Education:
- B.A. in Economics from Delhi University (Lady Shri Ram College)
- M.A. from the University of Garhwal
- Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi
Currently, she serves as Secretary in Rajasthan’s Energy Department since March 20, 2026, and has also held the role of Chairperson of Rajasthan Electricity DISCOMs.
Career Journey and Key Roles
Arti Dogra cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt in 2006, securing All India Rank 56.
Over the years, she has held several prominent positions, including:
- Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Special Secretary to CM
- Joint Secretary to CM
- District Collector and Magistrate in Ajmer, Bikaner, and Bundi
- Managing Director and Chairperson in key administrative roles
She also became the first female IAS officer to serve as Managing Director of Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (Jodhpur Discom).
Notable Initiatives and Public Service Work
Arti Dogra has been widely recognized for her innovative governance initiatives:
- Banko Bikano Campaign: A sanitation drive in Bikaner promoting open defecation-free (ODF) villages through community participation
- Doctors for Daughters: Initiative encouraging doctors to support orphaned girl children
- Inclusive Voting Efforts: Introduction of “Divyang Raths” and special polling booths in Ajmer, leading to increased participation of differently-abled voters
Awards and Recognition
Her contributions to governance and public service have earned national recognition:
- National Award (2019): Presented by former President Ram Nath Kovind for her performance as District Election Officer in Ajmer
- Daughters Are Precious Award: For efforts in improving sex ratio and empowering women
Defying Stereotypes
Standing at approximately 3.2 to 3.5 feet tall, Arti Dogra has often been cited as an example of determination and resilience, breaking societal stereotypes while rising to senior administrative positions.
What Lies Ahead
The High Court’s directive for an ACB investigation marks a crucial phase in the case. The findings of the probe, expected within three months, could have significant implications not only for the individuals involved but also for administrative accountability in Rajasthan.
