Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has placed senior IAS officer Ambrish Kumar (IAS:2004:RJ) under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) after he allegedly travelled abroad without obtaining prior approval from the state government. The action has triggered widespread discussion within bureaucratic circles, particularly as the officer had courted controversy just months earlier over directions involving the Isha Foundation and Landmark Forum during a departmental workshop.
Following the action, Dr Rohit Gupta (IAS:2006:RJ), Chairman and Managing Director of the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
Foreign Visit Without Government Permission Led to Action
According to government sources, Ambrish Kumar had applied to the Department of Personnel seeking permission for a personal foreign visit. However, approval from the competent authority was reportedly not granted before he left the country.
Under government service rules, IAS officers and other government employees are required to obtain prior approval before travelling abroad. Officers are also expected to seek permission before leaving their headquarters.
As the officer allegedly proceeded with the foreign trip without receiving the mandatory clearance, the state government initiated administrative action by placing him under APO.
The decision has generated considerable discussion in administrative circles, with officials speculating over the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised foreign visit.
Dr Rohit Gupta Gets Additional Charge
Following Ambrish Kumar’s removal from the post, the Rajasthan government assigned the additional charge of Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to Dr Rohit Gupta, who currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director of the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation.
Second Controversy in a Few Months
This is not the first time Ambrish Kumar has found himself at the centre of controversy.
In May 2026, a departmental workshop organised by the Food Department invited criticism after officers and employees were reportedly encouraged to join the Isha Foundation and Landmark Forum during discussions on departmental issues. The directions sparked debate over the appropriateness of promoting religious or private spiritual organisations during an official government programme.
The latest administrative action has once again placed the senior bureaucrat in the spotlight.
Who is IAS Ambrish Kumar?
Mr Kumar is a 2004-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre.
Born on 15 January 1975 in Patiala, Punjab, he graduated with a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay before spending nearly three-and-a-half years in Silicon Valley in the private technology sector.
Known for his interest in trekking, birdwatching, wildlife, yoga and meditation, he has handled a wide range of assignments during more than two decades in public service.
Key Administrative Assignments
Throughout his career, Mr Kumar has served in several important positions, including:
- Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department (since November 2025)
- Secretary, Medical Education Department
- Project Director at Isha Foundation, Coimbatore (2020–2024)
- Chairman & Managing Director, Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (RAJSICO)
- Commissioner & Special Secretary, Information Technology & Communication Department
- Settlement Commissioner for the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme
- Director, Agriculture Department
- District Collector and District Magistrate of Pali, Sriganganagar and Jhunjhunu
Administrative Career Faces Fresh Setback
The APO order marks a significant setback in Ambrish Kumar’s administrative career. While the government has not publicly elaborated beyond the issue of travelling abroad without approval, the action reinforces the requirement that All India Service officers strictly adhere to service conduct rules regarding foreign travel and official permissions.
The development also comes at a time when governments across states have been emphasising greater accountability and compliance with service regulations among senior civil servants.
