Srinagar, Aug 29: The capabilities of Ashok Parmar, a 1992 IAS officer, are facing serious scrutiny as reports supported by official documents and first-hand accounts highlight a history of inefficiency, disputes, and disregard for professional standards.
A high-ranking IAS officer’s career has been marred by a series of controversies, alleges a reliable source.
Ashok Kumar Parmar, a member of the 1992 IAS batch, has consistently drawn criticisms and complaints about his conduct and performance across various postings.
Sources informed that Parmar’s journey began with his initial role as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Mendhar, where multiple complaints surfaced about his inefficiency. According to a June 28, 1996 communication from B. R. Kundal, the then Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, a seemingly trivial issue involving the installation of a solar light escalated into a significant dispute, leading to tension and court boycotts by Advocates. Further, Parmar’s unauthorized assumption of District Magistrate responsibilities in the absence of the Deputy Commissioner in Poonch triggered public resentment.
“The situation worsened when complaints about Parmar’s behaviour reached a peak during a Governor’s visit. Despite attempts by the Divisional Commissioner to discipline him, no progress was made, resulting in his prompt transfer to prevent further damage to his reputation and public unrest,” sources stated.
Subsequent postings did little to enhance Parmar’s standing. In 1997, he was questioned for leaving the state without permission. Premature transfers remained a theme in his early career, casting doubt on his efficiency and management capabilities. As Deputy Commissioner in various districts, including Kargil and Udhampur, allegations spanned from questionable selection procedures to misusing state resources and conflicts with colleagues. Harsh Dev Singh, a former Minister and MLA, even demanded an inquiry into Parmar’s activities during his Udhampur tenure, sources disclosed.
Sources further disclosed that Parmar’s tenure as Vice Chairman of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) was riddled with controversies and clashes with subordinates. This turbulence hindered JDA’s performance, prompting the Minister for Housing and Urban Development to criticize Parmar’s authority management in a note to the Chief Secretary.
“Parmar’s administrative roles were no stranger to turmoil. During his 2007 tenure as Administrative Secretary in the Science and Technology Department, complaints about his use of foul language and behavioral problems were raised by subordinates and the JAKEDA Non-Gazetted Employees Union,” said sources.
Sources said that even at the central level, Parmar’s performance remained lackluster. His roles as Commissioner/Secretary for various departments and as Joint Secretary (Films) in the Government of India garnered “average” and below-average grades, respectively. His inability to secure an empanelment as Additional Secretary within the Government of India underscored his consistent underperformance.
“Returning to the Union territory in March 2022, Parmar’s performance as Principal Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control and later in the Jal Shakti Department remained unsatisfactory. His lackadaisical approach was evident in the low numbers of allotted, started, and completed works. These statistics improved significantly after his departure, highlighting his ineffectiveness in these roles,” Sources added.
Sources said that Parmar’s history of unauthorized transfers, erratic behavior, and clashes with colleagues led to a series of postings across departments. His conduct, including sharing inquiry reports publicly before official submission, violated accepted norms. His request for a transfer outside Jammu and Kashmir was forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Contrary to his claims, postings in the region are based on merit, not caste or religion. Sources further said that allegations of financial irregularities related to the Jal Jeevan Mission were dismissed due to the territory’s transparent contracting system.
Meanwhile, his appointment as Principal Secretary in the Jal Shakti Department was anticipated to be a fresh start. However, his tenure was characterized by lackadaisical attitudes and incomplete projects. Over the course of his initial three months, only around 15% of assigned works were initiated, and merely 5% were completed. These figures improved drastically to 96% and 83% respectively within a year of his departure. The stark contrast in project completion rates after his exit underscored his ineffectiveness.
“The number of works completed, which were nearly around 100, doubled during the next one year after his exit. While he failed to complete any scheme, the number of schemes completed reached 172 after one year of his exit showing clearly that there were significant improvements in Jal Jeevan Mission activities,” sources revealed.
Brushing aside his allegations regarding financial irregularities in the JJM, sources said that Jammu and Kashmir has ushered in one of the most transparent systems of contracting in which no work can be undertaken without administrative approval, technical sanction, e-tendering etc. Besides, payment of works can be made only in online mode that too after 100% physical verification of works obviating the possibility of any financial irregularity.
Sources further revealed that there were also multiple complaints against him regarding premature transfers and records which indicate that the officer has resorted to 398 number of transfer affected without authorization during the period when the transfer window was closed. For the above reasons, he was then transferred to the ARI and Trainings Department. The transfer of Ashok Parmar has been due to casual approach and inefficiency and has nothing to do with caste, creed, religion etc, sources added.
“In ARI and Training Department, he started unnecessary communications unbecoming of a Government servant such as tweeting/retweeting many statements against the government policies. He was shifted to the Skill Development Department and then to the Bureau of Public Enterprises. However, his behaviour pattern has continued to remain erratic,” sources further added.
It is pertinent to mention that on one occasion recently, he publicly shared his inquiry report against one IFS officer before submitting to the Government, which is against the accepted norms of the conduct of inquiry.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Ashok Kumar Parmar’s career underscores the need for accountability, transparency, and consistent performance in public service roles, according to sources well-versed in the matter.
