Haryana to Resubmit Proposal with Clarifications After Procedural Setback
In a significant administrative decision, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rejected the Haryana government’s proposal to compulsorily retire IAS officer Rani Nagar (2014 batch), who has been on unauthorized leave since October 2020. Instead, the UPSC recommended a two-year grade reduction as an alternative disciplinary action.
However, the Haryana government has disagreed with UPSC’s recommendation and is now preparing to resubmit the proposal with additional clarifications as per the advice of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Background
Ms. Rani Nagar, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was last posted as Additional Secretary and Director in the Haryana Archives Department on March 11, 2020. She remained in service until October 27, 2020, after which she went absent without official leave. Despite repeated notices, she has not responded to any communications from the state government.
In view of her prolonged absence, the Haryana government initiated disciplinary proceedings and forwarded a proposal for compulsory retirement to the Ministry of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 9, 2023, which was subsequently sent to the UPSC for approval.
UPSC’s Response and State Government’s Stand
On May 30, 2024, the UPSC declined to support the proposal for compulsory retirement, instead suggesting a two-year reduction in grade. The recommendation did not include detailed reasoning. The DoPT forwarded this decision to the Haryana government on June 11, 2024.
The Haryana government, disagreeing with the UPSC’s stance, resubmitted the compulsory retirement proposal on January 20, 2025. However, the DoPT returned it on January 30, 2025, advising the state to provide detailed justifications and include Ms. Nagar’s response, which had not been attached previously.
Follow-Up by the Haryana Government
In compliance with DoPT’s instructions, the Haryana government has since attempted to contact Ms. Rani Nagar multiple times — on April 2, May 14, June 9, and June 24, 2025 — via email and registered post, forwarding the UPSC’s recommendation and relevant documents.
Once her response is received, the state government is expected to revise its proposal and submit it again to the DoPT for fresh consideration.
Controversies Linked to Rani Nagar
Ms. Nagar has been associated with several high-profile controversies:
In 2018, she accused a senior IAS officer of harassment while posted in the Animal Husbandry Department.
As SDM of Dabwali (Sirsa), she alleged threats to her life and claimed that the then-DGP failed to provide adequate protection.
In April 2020, she released videos stating that iron nails were found in her food at the Chandigarh UT Guest House and again claimed she faced life threats.
On May 4, 2020, she resigned from the IAS, citing safety concerns. The resignation was rejected by the Haryana government.
She has consistently alleged administrative apathy and threats from senior officers, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Current Status
The case remains pending. The Haryana government is in the process of preparing a revised submission, incorporating procedural justifications and Ms. Nagar’s reply, as required by the DoPT. The final decision will now depend on the outcome of further deliberations between the state government, the DoPT, and the UPSC.
