MHA orders IAS officer in JK to join Ladakh by Sept 30; warns of disciplinary action, debarment from promotion

New Delhi, Sept 29: 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 assume charge in his new posting in Ladakh after being deemed “Stand Relieved” from the Government of J&K with effect from September 30, 2025.

According to the order, Rajora was transferred vide MHA’s directive dated May 16, 2025, but had not been relieved from the J&K government until now. Citing para 9(viii) of the Guidelines for Transfer/Posting of IAS/IPS officers of AGMUT cadre, 2016, the ministry made clear that officers under transfer must be relieved within 15 days of the order. Failure to comply would result in them being automatically treated as “Stand Relieved” and could also invite punitive actions such as stoppage of salary, issuance of displeasure, debarment from promotion, and restrictions from Central Deputation.

The order, signed by Rakesh Kumar Singh, Under Secretary to the Government of India further directed that all requests for cancellation or suspension of Rajora’s transfer have been rejected and that no further representation on the matter would 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 the service rules, including disciplinary proceedings and debarment from promotion,” the order stated.

The MHA also instructed the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir not to draw Rajora’s salary beyond September 30, 2025, while the Chief Secretary of Ladakh has been asked to furnish his joining report. (KDC).