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.
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.
