Are There Any Recent Examples of Punishments to IAS Officers in Violation of the Code of Conduct?

As of my last update in August 2023, there have been instances where Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers faced disciplinary actions for violations of the code of conduct.

Historically, IAS officers have faced punishments for various reasons, including corruption, misconduct, and negligence of duty. Such actions can range from warnings and reprimands to suspension or even dismissal depending on the severity of the violation.

Examples of Recent Punishments

For the most accurate and recent examples of IAS officers being punished for code of conduct violations, I recommend checking reliable news sources or government announcements that cover administrative actions from late 2023 or 2024.

Since 2014, there have been numerous instances where below-average performance, corruption, and dishonesty resulted in IAS, IPS, and IRS officers either being terminated from service or sent to jail. On the other hand, the Indian administrative system has also witnessed the commendable work of honest officers who are cracking various financial scams, drug cases, revenue frauds, and other criminal activities, including Operation Clean initiatives in Mumbai.

Case Study: Mr. Lokesh Kumar Jangid (IAS 2014 Batch)

Mr. Lokesh Kumar Jangid, an IAS officer from the 2014 batch, has recently been served a show-cause notice for allegedly recording a telephone call from the principal secretary-GAD regarding his transfer and making it public. According to the notice, his action amounts to a breach of trust and privacy and is a violation of Civil Services Rules.

In a series of tweets, Mr. Jangid expressed his anguish at the 'system,' particularly within the Madhya Pradesh IAS Officers Association (MPIASOA). He wrote that while those who mint money from all kinds of mafia get transferred from field to field, those with impeccable integrity are being thrown to the secretariat on transfer. He also alleged that he was removed as SDM from a district because he called the collector 'weak.'

Impact and Consequences

Mr. Jangid's actions and words have earned him a reputation as a nuisance maker. He is unlikely to ever get a good assignment, regardless of which government comes to power. The civil services aspirants often think they would become like kings and rule the district as DM once they get selected in the IAS. However, this myth gets shattered when they join the civil services.

Honesty has become a rarity in the government, with officers having to face such frustration. The MPIASOA president, ICP Keshari, advised Jangid to delete his posts, suggesting that he had lost basic decency not only by accusing his colleagues but also the family. However, Jangid refused and wrote a counter-post, threatening to remain in the group and implying that there were dissenters in the system.

Implications for Civil Services Aspirants

The civil services aspirants need to be aware of the realities of public service before joining. When the government system does not suit one's temperament and values, joining the civil services could lead to frustration and anguish, much like Mr. Jangid has encountered.

For those who aspire to become IAS officers, it is better to understand the realities of government functioning beforehand. This will help avoid the frustration and anger that can arise from realizing that joining a career not aligning with one's temperament and values is a mistake, leading to a life wasted in frustration and resentment.

It is crucial to explore and align one's career choices with personal values and preferences to ensure a fulfilling and productive public service career. If the government system is incompatible with one's temperament and values, it might be better to reconsider joining such a service.