MHA Orders IAS Officer to Assume Ladakh Posting by Sep 30, Warns of Punitive Action Over Non-compliance – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh order directing Nitish Rajora, IAS (AGMUT: 2021), presently serving as Director Information, Jammu and Kashmir, to immediately take charge of his new posting in Ladakh after being deemed “Stand Relieved” from the J&K government with effect from September 30, 2025.

According to the order, Rajora was transferred vide MHA directive dated May 16, 2025, but had not been relieved by the J&K government until now. Citing para 9(viii) of the Guidelines for Transfer/Posting of IAS/IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre (2016), the ministry underlined that officers must be relieved within 15 days of transfer. Non-compliance, it warned, would automatically render them “Stand Relieved” and could also invite punitive actions such as stoppage of salary, issuance of displeasure, debarment from promotion, and restrictions on Central Deputation.

The order further stated that all requests for cancellation or suspension of Rajora’s transfer stand rejected and that no further representation will be entertained.

“It is directed that Shri Nitish Rajora shall join his new place of posting, i.e., UT of Ladakh, immediately thereafter under intimation to this Ministry. Should non-compliance of the transfer order persist, he shall be liable to incur various consequences under service rules, including disciplinary proceedings and debarment from promotion,” the order said.

The MHA has also instructed the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir not to draw Rajora’s salary beyond September 30, while the Chief Secretary of Ladakh has been directed to furnish his joining report.