Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: In a decisive move aimed at tightening administrative discipline, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken stern action against irregularities in departmental transfers by removing two senior IAS officers from their posts and placing them on the waiting list.
IAS Sameer Verma and Bhawani Singh Khangarot Relieved of Duties
The two senior officers who have faced the brunt of this crackdown are-
- Sameer Verma, IAS (IG Registration)
- Bhawani Singh Khangarot, IAS (Director, Administration, Medical and Health Services)
Both officers have been removed from their current posts and placed on a waiting list, a bureaucratic term indicating they currently hold no active charge.
Additional Charges Assigned to Other Officers
In the wake of their removal, the government has assigned their roles to other serving IAS officers as additional charges-
- Amit Gupta, Principal Secretary, Stamp and Registration and Transport, has been given additional charge of Inspector General Registration.
- Aryaka Akhoury, Special Secretary (Medical), has been given additional charge of Director, Medical and Health Services (Administration).
This interim arrangement is seen as a step to restore order and credibility in the functioning of the respective departments while a deeper probe is underway.
Trigger: Controversial Transfer Orders in Stamp and Registration Department
The reshuffle comes after massive irregularities surfaced in the transfer of over 200 officers in the Stamp and Registration Department, including sub-registrars and registration clerks. Chief Minister Yogi immediately put a stop to the transfers and ordered a high-level inquiry.
On Wednesday, Principal Secretary Amit Gupta halted the transfer orders of-
- 59 sub-registrars
- 114 junior assistant registrations
- 29 newly promoted sub-registrars
These moves were seen as hasty, non-transparent, and allegedly motivated by financial transactions and favoritism.
Minister’s Complaint Triggers Action
The move comes on the heels of a complaint from Stamp and Registration Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, who wrote a detailed letter to CM Yogi on June 18, accusing Sameer Verma of corruption and irregularities in transfers.
Speaking to media in Lucknow on Thursday, Minister Jaiswal said – “We met the Chief Minister with evidence of the irregularities. The transfer list clearly showed bias and negligence. The CM was quick to act and has now ordered a full investigation.”
The minister alleged that Mr Verma ignored protocol, avoided consultation, and facilitated the transfer of officers facing corruption allegations. He demanded either Mr Verma’s transfer or a long leave, and called for an STF-led investigation into the matter.
Medical and Health Services Also Hit
In a parallel action, Bhawani Singh Khangarot, Director Administration of Medical and Health Services, has also been removed. His responsibilities have been handed over to Aryaka Akhari, Special Secretary (Medical), who will now handle the post as an additional charge.
The reasons behind Khangarot’s removal are also linked to alleged negligence and irregularities in administrative decision-making.
Zero Tolerance on Corruption, Says Yogi Government
This action reflects the Yogi Adityanath government’s continued emphasis on clean governance and bureaucratic accountability. With multiple layers of administration now being scrutinized, more disciplinary action is expected in the coming days.
