In a significant development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rejected the Haryana government’s proposal to compulsorily retire 2014-batch IAS officer Ms. Rani Nagar, who has been absent from duty since October 2020. Instead, the UPSC has recommended a two-year reduction in her grade as an alternative disciplinary measure. However, the Haryana government has disagreed with the UPSC’s advice and is preparing to resubmit the proposal after making the necessary amendments.
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Background of the Case
Ms. Rani Nagar, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was last posted as Additional Secretary and Director in the Archives Department of Haryana on March 11, 2020. She remained in service until October 27, 2020, after which she went absent without sanctioned leave. Despite several notices, she has not responded to the state government’s communications.
Due to her prolonged absence, the Haryana government had initiated disciplinary action and sent a proposal for her compulsory retirement to the Ministry of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 9, 2023, which was subsequently forwarded to the UPSC.
UPSC’s Recommendation and Government’s Objection
On May 30, 2024, the UPSC disagreed with the compulsory retirement proposal and instead recommended a grade reduction for two years. The UPSC did not provide detailed reasoning for its decision. The DoPT conveyed this recommendation back to the Haryana government on June 11, 2024.
Disagreeing with the UPSC’s view, the Haryana government resubmitted the retirement proposal to the DoPT on January 20, 2025. However, the DoPT returned the proposal on January 30, 2025, advising the state to include detailed reasoning for the disagreement and also a response from Ms. Rani Nagar, which was not part of the earlier submission.
Follow-Up Action by the Haryana Government
Following the ministry’s feedback, the Haryana government has sent the UPSC’s recommendation and related documents to Ms. Rani Nagar multiple times—on April 2, May 14, June 9, and June 24, 2025—through email and registered post. Once a response is received from her, the government is expected to revise its proposal and forward it again to the Central Ministry of Personnel and Training for consideration.
Past Controversies Involving Rani Nagar
Ms. Nagar has been involved in multiple high-profile controversies:
- In 2018, she accused a senior IAS officer of harassment while posted in the Animal Husbandry Department.
- As SDM of Dabwali (Sirsa), she claimed her life was in danger and alleged lack of protection by the then-DGP.
- In April 2020, she claimed that iron nails were found in her food at the Chandigarh UT Guest House and released videos alleging threats to her life.
- On May 4, 2020, she submitted her resignation citing safety concerns, which was rejected by the Haryana government.
- She has repeatedly alleged threats and administrative negligence from senior officers during the lockdown period.
Current Status
The case remains unresolved. The Haryana government is preparing to resubmit the compulsory retirement proposal with justifications and Ms. Nagar’s response, as mandated by the Central government. The final decision now hinges on compliance with procedural requirements and further deliberations between the state, the DoPT, and the UPSC.
