IAS Neha Marvya Questions Unfairness in Transfer and Posting of IAS Officers

In a recent meeting of IAS officers in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, IAS officer Neha Marvya shared her frustration about not being given a field posting in her 14 years of service. The meeting, which began on December 20, provided a platform for officers, both young and retired, to discuss various issues. During the event, Marvya raised a serious concern about her career, questioning how she could develop professionally without any field experience.

Neha Marvya, an IAS officer from the 2011 batch, has made a name for herself as someone who stands firm on her decisions, often finding herself in the spotlight due to her bold actions. One of the most notable incidents in her career was when she was investigating the Aajeevika scheme. Marvya faced pressure from senior officers to protect those involved in wrongdoing, a situation that led to her transfer to a different department.

In a WhatsApp group for IAS officers, Marvya expressed her discontent, stating that despite her 14 years of service, she has never been posted in the field. She shared her concerns about how such a situation affects her ability to grow and contribute effectively as an officer.

The discussion began when an IAS officer shared a concept note suggesting that officers should be assigned a four-year tenure as a collector within the first 14 years of their career. This, the note argued, would provide valuable field experience and insight into the state’s issues, helping officers address challenges more effectively in the future. In response, Marvya shared her personal experience, emphasizing her lack of field exposure.

Marvya explained that during her career, she was assigned to roles with limited responsibilities. She served as Deputy Secretary in the Panchayat and Rural Development Department for three and a half years, followed by a transfer to the Revenue Department for two and a half years, where she again had little to do. For the past nine months, Marvya has been without any work at all. She expressed how deeply saddening it is to see her career stagnate in such a way, feeling as though she has been confined within office walls.

Her comments have sparked a larger conversation about the career progression of IAS officers and the importance of field experience in shaping their ability to tackle state issues effectively.

What IAS Neha Marvya said in her WhatsApp Group

This is the first time I am writing something. If I don’t speak even now, I will feel ashamed as an IAS and a human being. Seniors will be able to guide me well. They will also be able to help. I was posted as Additional CEO in MNREGA in Bhopal. I was on leave from 4 July 2022 to 7 July. On the evening of 7 July, I got a call from the Deputy Secretary of the General Administration Department.

It was told that she has been transferred to the Revenue Department as Deputy Secretary. After this, on 8 July, I reached to get relieved from MNREGA. After the process, I went to the chamber of Chief Minister and Principal Secretary of Revenue Department Manish Rastogi. He said- You cannot come to the chamber. He also has no work, so you have been kept under me to improve. I will see you. After this, when I asked him about my mistake, he did not answer. He said- You have no right to speak.

I requested him that I had come in MNREGA vehicle, it has been returned. Send me home in some vehicle, but he refused. When I asked how I would go home, he said to ask the staff how they go home from Vallabh Bhawan. He called the PA and told me to get out.

The Deputy Secretary tried to arrange a vehicle for me. The Principal Secretary rebuked him and refused. Should one remain silent in this matter? When the PS had no work for me, why did he call me under him? Has he kept me to harass me? It is very sad.