Lucknow: Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sameer Verma has come under intense scrutiny in Uttar Pradesh’s administrative circles after remaining absent from duty without authorization for nearly six months. The 2002-batch officer has failed to assume charge of his latest posting since October 2025, prompting the state government to initiate a departmental inquiry and consider strict disciplinary action.
The case has sparked widespread discussion within bureaucratic and public domains, not for administrative achievements but for an unprecedented prolonged absence by a senior officer at the Secretary level.
Failure to Join Key Posting Raises Concerns
The controversy began after Sameer Verma was assigned the post of Secretary in the Planning Department in October 2025. Despite the significance of the role, he did not report for duty.
Earlier, in June 2025, he had been relieved from his position as Inspector General (IG) of Stamps and Registration. Following this, the new assignment was seen as a routine administrative transition. However, his failure to join the new post raised serious questions within government circles.
Officials confirm that he has remained absent without sanctioned leave since then, making it a clear case of violation of service conduct rules.
Read also: Haryana Eyes IPS Induction for 22 HPS Officers as UPSC Schedules Key DPC Meeting on April 28
Study Leave Request Rejected, Absence Continues
According to sources, after being relieved from the IG (Stamps and Registration) post, Sameer Verma had applied for study leave to pursue an MBA. However, his request was not approved by the competent authority.
Despite the rejection, he reportedly chose not to return to duty and has remained missing from official responsibilities since October 2025. Authorities consider this prolonged unauthorized absence a serious act of indiscipline.
With no official communication regarding his whereabouts, the administration has now escalated the matter by initiating formal disciplinary proceedings.
Departmental Inquiry Initiated, Action Likely
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a strict view of the situation. A departmental inquiry has been initiated to examine the circumstances of his absence and determine accountability.
Officials indicate that, depending on the findings, stringent action may follow, including penalties under service rules. Prolonged unauthorized absence by a senior officer is considered a grave misconduct in the civil services framework.
Profile: A Senior Officer with Extensive Administrative Experience
Sameer Verma is a seasoned IAS officer of the 2002 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Born on September 21, 1972, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, he has had a long and diverse administrative career spanning over two decades.
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- Master’s degree in Law from the University of Delhi
He is proficient in both Hindi and English.
Extensive District-Level Experience
Over the years, Sameer Verma has built a reputation as an experienced field administrator. He has served as District Magistrate (DM) in multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh, including:
- Varanasi
- Kanpur
- Meerut
- Mathura
- Jhansi
- Moradabad
- Hardoi
- Lakhimpur Kheri
- Hamirpur
- Mahoba
His repeated postings as DM in key districts underline his administrative exposure and experience in governance at the grassroots level.
Key Positions Held During Career
Apart from district assignments, he has held several important positions at both state and central levels:
- Inspector General (IG), Stamps and Registration (April 2025)
- Secretary, Social Welfare Department
- Special Secretary, Finance (handling institutional finance and policy matters)
- Secretary, Planning Department (appointed October 2025, not joined)
During central deputation, he also served as Private Secretary to Uma Bharti, the then Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation.
A Career Now Under a Cloud
Despite a long administrative career and multiple key postings, Sameer Verma’s current absence has cast a shadow over his service record. The lack of communication and failure to comply with official orders have made the case particularly गंभीर within bureaucratic circles.
As the inquiry progresses, the outcome is likely to set an important precedent regarding accountability and discipline among senior civil servants.
