IAS Vikas Kharge: A Trusted Officer Assigned to a High-Stakes Probe
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has entrusted senior IAS officer Vikas Kharge with leading the investigation into the ₹1,800 crore Pune land deal that has sparked intense political debate in Maharashtra. Known within bureaucratic circles as “Mr. Dependable” for his integrity and efficiency, Kharge has been directed to complete the inquiry within a month. The case involves allegations that Amadeya Enterprises, a company linked to Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, acquired government land at a fraction of its market value.
The Controversy at the Centre of Political Storm
The disputed transaction allegedly saw land valued at ₹1,800 crore being sold for just ₹300 crore. The deal has drawn sharp scrutiny from political leaders and the public alike. Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has called for complete transparency, stating that “the truth must come before the people.” Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar has asserted that his son had no knowledge of the land’s government ownership and has expressed confidence that the investigation will bring clarity to the issue.
Vikas Kharge: A Pillar of Integrity in Maharashtra’s Bureaucracy
Currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) in the Chief Minister’s Office, Vikas Kharge has emerged as one of Maharashtra’s most trusted and disciplined administrators. A 1994-batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, Kharge was born in Vita (Sangli district) and raised in Ichalkaranji (Kolhapur). Over his nearly three-decade career, he has earned a reputation for being a calm, impartial, and reform-minded civil servant who has worked seamlessly under multiple leaderships — from Uddhav Thackeray to Eknath Shinde and now Devendra Fadnavis.
A Distinguished Administrative Journey
Kharge began his administrative career as Assistant Collector in Chandrapur, later serving as CEO of Zilla Parishads in Nagpur and Chandrapur, and as Collector of Yavatmal. His tenure in Yavatmal earned special praise from then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for significant improvements in literacy rates in the district.
As Principal Secretary and later Additional Chief Secretary of Cultural Affairs, Kharge’s contributions went beyond administration — he played a creative role by penning Maharashtra’s official state song, “Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha.”
Currently, he also oversees the Revenue Department, where his balanced decision-making and ability to stay above political fray have further strengthened his image as a dependable bureaucrat.
A Quiet Leader with a Strong Ethical Core
Vikas Kharge’s administrative style is characterized by discretion, consistency, and a strong moral compass. Known to stay away from media spotlight and political controversies, he is respected across party lines for his professional discipline and sense of duty.
Married to Meenakshi Kharge, he is a family man with two sons — Venkatesh and Manish — and is often described by colleagues as a “grounded technocrat with a human touch.”
In Essence
As the state awaits clarity on the Pune land deal, IAS Vikas Kharge’s appointment symbolizes the government’s intent to conduct a fair and fact-based investigation. A rare blend of integrity, experience, and composure, Kharge stands out as the right choice to lead one of Maharashtra’s most politically sensitive probes — reinforcing his reputation as the state’s “Mr. Dependable.”
