Speculation rife in UP as 3 IAS officers seek VRS

The three IAS officers, who have reportedly sought voluntary retirement, include Renuka Kumar (1987 batch), Juthika Patankar (1988) and Vikas Gothalwal (2003).

The corridors of power in UP are abuzz with speculation over reasons for three senior IAS officers of the state cadre seeking voluntary retirement.

Their move has become a cause of concern not only for officers of UP cadre but for others as well. (Pic for representation)

The three are Renuka Kumar (1987 batch), Juthika Patankar (1988) and Vikas Gothalwal (2003).

People familiar with the development said Kumar, who was on deputation to the Centre, sought voluntary retirement just before her repatriation to the UP cadre. Kumar was due to retire from service on June 30, 2023 and was repatriated on July 28.

Kumar was at the forefront of UP IAS Association’s campaign (in 1990s) to identify three most corrupt IAS officers in the state cadre.

Patankar, who was also on deputation to the Centre, worked as principal secretary to UP governor during Ram Naik’s tenure. She sought VRS though she was due to retire on January 31, 2024. Vikas Gothalwal, who is on study leave in the UK, reportedly sought VRS on health grounds.

A senior officer said the fact that all three sought voluntary retirement around the same time, has caused a bit of a stir.

Additional chief secretary (appointment dept) Devesh Chaturvedi was not available for comment. It is learnt the three officers sent copies of their letter seeking VRS to chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra and the state appointment department.

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