Who Is IAS Anamika Singh? DoPT Approves Voluntary Retirement of Uttar Pradesh Cadre Officer, Exit Effective January 30, 2026
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Union Ministry of Personnel has formally approved the voluntary retirement (VRS) application of IAS officer Anamika Singh, a 2004-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. With the Centre’s clearance now in place, the Uttar Pradesh government will issue the final order, making her retirement effective from January 30, 2026.
This marks the conclusion of a distinguished administrative career spanning nearly two decades, even though Ms Singh had service remaining until March 2038.
State and Centre Grant Final Clearance
Anamika Singh submitted her VRS application in December 2025, which was first approved by the Uttar Pradesh government and subsequently forwarded to the DoPT for final clearance. With both the state and central governments granting consent, her voluntary retirement process is now complete.
Background: Deputation Denial Sparked the Move
According to sources in the Appointments Department, Ms Singh had sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh government to proceed on central deputation. However, her request was reportedly denied, leading to dissatisfaction.
Officials indicate that she applied for VRS only after being refused deputation to the Centre, a development that has triggered widespread discussion in bureaucratic circles. The episode has once again highlighted the complexities and sensitivities surrounding deputation approvals between state and central governments.
Transfer Cancellation Before VRS Application
In September 2025, Ms Singh was appointed as the Divisional Commissioner of Bareilly. However, the transfer order was later cancelled, and she was retained in her existing role as Food Commissioner. The cancellation of her transfer, combined with the refusal of central deputation, is believed to have influenced her decision to seek voluntary retirement.
Official Reason: Family Grounds
While unofficial reports link her VRS to deputation-related dissatisfaction, Ms Singh has officially cited family reasons in her application for voluntary retirement.
Profile of IAS Anamika Singh
Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Batch & Cadre: 2004 Batch, Uttar Pradesh Cadre
Date of Birth: March 29, 1978
Place of Birth: Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh
Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA); Master of Arts (MA) in Social Work; earlier studies in Ancient History
Appointment to IAS: September 6, 2004; probation completed September 6, 2006
Key Positions Held During Career
Over more than 20 years of service, Ms Singh held several important assignments at both state and central levels:
District Administration:
District Magistrate (DM) of Kaushambi, Hamirpur, and Bahraich
Central Government Roles:
Director at NITI Aayog
Positions in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development
State-Level Roles in Uttar Pradesh:
Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies Department (last posting)
Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department
CEO, Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project Authority (UPCAPA)
Secretary, Basic Education Department
State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Premature Exit Despite 13 Years Remaining
Her scheduled superannuation was due in March 2038, meaning she had nearly 13 years of service left. The decision to leave prematurely has been viewed as both significant and unexpected, given her seniority and reputation as a strong, upright, and efficient administrator.
Reactions in Administrative Circles
Her exit has sparked discussions about career progression, deputation policies, and officer morale. The development has once again highlighted the delicate balance between state and central governments in managing IAS cadre postings and the broader implications of deputation refusals.
