May 10th 2025.
On May Day, while the world was celebrating the hardworking laborers, the Haryana government made a surprising move by launching a new department that sounds like it came straight out of a Christopher Nolan film - the Department of Future. With no official announcement or detailed plan, the department was simply created through a government notification, assigning two IAS officers to lead the way. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the department's purpose and objectives. Some speculate that it could be for long-term policy planning or governing artificial intelligence, while others believe it may focus on climate change, youth innovation, or coordinating various government departments. The fact that the two officers in charge also have other responsibilities, such as handling fisheries and archives, raises questions about the seriousness of this futuristic department. While it may seem like a bureaucratic gimmick, it's worth noting that some countries like the UAE have fully-fledged Ministries of the Future with clear goals and budgets. Nonetheless, the department's name alone is a great addition to any business card or LinkedIn profile. We can only hope that it doesn't end up like most visions of the future - always pushed back and never fully realized.
Moving on to another bureaucratic story, the case of Puja Khedkar has finally resurfaced after she went into hiding for 282 days to evade the Pune Police. Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, was accused of forging disability and OBC certificates and made headlines last year for her lavish lifestyle and VIP tantrums. After her dismissal from service, she disappeared from the public eye until now. What's concerning is not just the accusations against her, but how she was allowed to disappear without facing consequences for almost ten months. If it were an ordinary citizen, they would have been tracked down, detained, and served with a legal notice immediately. So, how did Khedkar manage to evade the law for so long? This raises serious questions about whether she had protection, political support, or if the system simply turned a blind eye. This case shouldn't be buried under bureaucratic jargon and procedural updates; we need to address the deeper issues at play. If Khedkar's case is swept under the rug again, it will not only damage her reputation but also shake the public's trust in our civil services. It's a lot harder to regain trust than it is to lose it, especially when it comes to the government's credibility.
Speaking of bureaucrats, Ashok Khemka deserves a mention for his unwavering dedication and integrity in the face of adversity. After 34 years of service and 57 transfers, Khemka has finally retired, leaving behind a legacy of being one of the most defiant players in the bureaucratic game. He was known for his bold moves, such as canceling the controversial Robert Vadra-DLF land deal in 2012, which earned him a place in administrative history. Despite facing numerous transfers and backlash, Khemka never gave up on his principles and continued to question and investigate. He may have been labeled as difficult and inconvenient, but he was necessary in a system where corruption and political ambitions often take precedence over justice. With his retirement, he leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill. One can only hope that the next Khemka doesn't have to face the same challenges in doing the right thing, but if they do, they can look back at Khemka's legacy for inspiration.
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