Lucknow: Rajneesh Chandra, a 2014-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre currently serving as Special Secretary in the Rural Development Department, has sought voluntary retirement from service.
In a letter addressed to the Department of Appointments, the officer requested that his voluntary retirement be made effective from April 30, 2026, citing personal reasons.
The move has drawn attention within administrative circles because it adds to the growing list of senior Uttar Pradesh officers opting for voluntary retirement in recent years.
Currently Posted in Rural Development Department at Lucknow
Rajneesh Chandra is presently serving as Special Secretary in the Rural Development Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Read Also: 23 JKAS Officers Set for IAS Induction After 4-Year Gap, UPSC Meeting Likely by April-End
He assumed this post on April 28, 2025.
Before this assignment, he served as Special Secretary in the Social Welfare Department.
His present office is based in Lucknow, where he has continued to handle administrative responsibilities linked to rural governance and departmental policy matters.
Native of Lakhimpur Kheri, Began Career Through PCS
Born on November 12, 1966, Rajneesh Chandra belongs to Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh.
He completed –
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
During his higher studies, he began preparing for civil services examinations.
Before entering the IAS, he was selected into the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) of Uttar Pradesh.
Long Administrative Career Before IAS Induction
Before his induction into IAS, Rajneesh Chandra served in multiple important field assignments across Uttar Pradesh.
His postings included –
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
- City Magistrate
- Additional District Magistrate (ADM)
- Chief Development Officer (CDO)
These assignments gave him long administrative exposure in district governance before promotion to the all-India service.
Inducted into IAS in 2021
Rajneesh Chandra was promoted to the IAS cadre on October 13, 2021.
Although he belongs to the 2014 IAS batch, his induction came through promotion from the state civil service.
Since entering IAS, he has held senior departmental roles in Lucknow.
Allahabad High Court Order Brought Officer Into Public Spotlight
In December 2024, Rajneesh Chandra came into public attention following an order by Allahabad High Court.
The court directed him to remain present in court until the conclusion of proceedings in a contempt matter involving delayed salary payment to a teacher.
The court also imposed a fine of ₹2,000.
The case drew unusual public attention because such directions are rarely issued against serving senior officers.
VRS Trend Rising Among Uttar Pradesh IAS Officers
Rajneesh Chandra’s VRS request comes amid a noticeable rise in voluntary retirement requests among Uttar Pradesh cadre officers.
In recent years, officers who have opted for voluntary retirement include –
- Rajiv Agarwal
- Mohammad Mustafa
- Amod Kumar
- Renuka Kumar
- Juthika Patankar
- Vikas Gothalwal
- Vidya Bhushan
- Rigzin Samphel
- Rakesh Verma
- Ravindra Pal Singh
- Abhishek Singh
- Anamika Singh
The steady increase has led to discussions within bureaucratic circles about changing career preferences, post-service opportunities, and administrative pressures.
Awaiting Government Decision on VRS Application
Rajneesh Chandra’s request will now be examined by the Uttar Pradesh government through the appointments department.
Once processed, formal acceptance orders will determine whether the retirement takes effect on the requested date.
Until then, he continues in service.
Read also: Retired UP IAS Officers Hold First Two-Day Reunion in Lucknow, Discuss Post-Retirement Challenges
