Ibraheem Jaan
Ashok Kumar Parmar, a 1992 batch IAS Officer, has garnered a reputation over the years that is far from stellar. His career has been plagued by a series of controversies and allegations of inefficiency and poor performance, painting a less than flattering picture of his tenure in various roles.
Early Controversies
Parmar’s troubles began during his early posting as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Mendhar. Multiple complaints surfaced, highlighting his inefficiencies. One incident, in particular, caught the attention of authorities when he registered a case over the petty issue of solar light installation in the Sub Judicial Magistrate Office, sparking tension and even a boycott by Advocates for months.
Troubled Assignments
His stint as Additional Secretary to the Government, Food Supplies, and Transport Department in 1997 didn’t fare much better. Parmar faced scrutiny for leaving the state for his hometown in Gujarat without obtaining the necessary permission.
Perhaps the most telling sign of his turbulent career was the fact that he wasn’t posted as Deputy Commissioner in any district during his first ten years of service. Even when he was posted as Deputy Commissioner in Kargil in 2002, he faced premature transfer within seven months.
As Deputy Commissioner in Udhampur in 2006, Parmar’s tenure was marred by controversies, including complaints about the selection process in the Social Welfare Department and the misuse of helicopters at state expense, among other issues. The then MLA, Harsh Dev Singh, requested an inquiry against him and his immediate transfer.
Even his role as Vice Chairman of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) didn’t escape controversy, as he issued orders without seeking proper approval, leading to requests for his transfer and displeasure to be recorded in his personal records.
Behavioral Issues
Parmar faced further accusations during his tenure as Administrative Secretary in the Science and Technology Department in 2007, where complaints of foul language and behavioral issues by subordinates emerged.
In 2015, as Commissioner/Secretary in the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department, his performance was rated at a lowly 7.0 by the then Chief Secretary of the erstwhile State.
Mediocre Performance at the National Level
During his tenure as Joint Secretary (Films) in the Government of India in 2020, he was again graded “Average” with a score of 6.29, with the reporting authority noting his lackluster delivery despite efforts to encourage him.
One significant indicator of his performance was the fact that he wasn’t empaneled as Additional Secretary in the Government of India due to his underwhelming track record.
Return to the Union Territory
Returning to the Union territory in March 2022 after a stint in the Government of India, Parmar was given light assignments due to his health condition. Yet, his performance remained dismal, with low work allotment and execution rates during his tenure as Principal Secretary, Jal Shakti Department.
The number of works completed significantly increased after his departure, highlighting a lackadaisical approach during his tenure. Allegations of financial irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission activities were also labeled as absurd, given the transparent contracting system in Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, records indicate that Parmar resorted to unauthorized transfers during the period when transfer requests were closed, leading to his transfer to the ARI and Trainings Department.
In this department, his behavior remained erratic, with incidents like publicly sharing an inquiry report against an IFS officer before submitting it to the government, contrary to accepted norms.
A Controversial Legacy
Parmar’s career is marked by controversies, inefficiencies, and performance issues across various roles. His struggles to deliver and maintain professionalism have cast a shadow over his otherwise promising career. It is clear that his tenure in different positions has been marred by a lack of effective leadership and questionable decision-making, ultimately raising concerns about his suitability for high-ranking government roles.
In the world of civil service, performance and integrity are of utmost importance. Ashok Kumar Parmar’s career has been plagued by allegations of inefficiency, controversies, and a lack of professionalism, which have had a detrimental impact on his reputation and effectiveness as a public servant. While it is important to recognize the contributions of dedicated civil servants, Parmar’s case serves as a reminder that accountability and transparency are essential in upholding the principles of good governance. As government officials work tirelessly to serve the public, it is crucial that their actions and decisions align with the highest standards of ethical conduct and efficiency, ensuring the well-being of the communities they serve.
——————————————
