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Just Transferred: The Untold Story of Ashok Khemka
Twenty-seven years in service and fifty-three that's an average of six months in each posting. Meet the forever-in-transit man of the Indian bureaucracy, Ashok Khemka. The IAS officer shot into the limelight in 2012, when he cancelled the mutation of a land deal between realty major DLF and a company which belonged to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. With the Congress party in power, most people called it a suicidal move. But, true to his reputation for being scrupulously honest, Khemka didn't budge. Throughout his career, Khemka has suffered at the hands of his political masters for his refusal to compromise. Be it being stripped of his official car for defying a chief minister, or being charge-sheeted for frivolous reasons, the actions of those with vested interests have not been able to shake his indomitable spirit. Why has the man never given up against a 'system' that always tends to go with the flow? Why do political parties use Khemka's example to score brownie points during elections and conveniently forget the man afterwards? Why are there just admirers and no takers for the officer when it comes to his deputation with the central government? And, most importantly, will honest officers like Ashok Khemka continue to suffer under successive regimes?Offering an insider's view of India's administrative machinery, Just Transferred is the riveting story of a man whose example may well become an inspiration to civil servants across the country.
- GenresBiographyNonfictionIndia
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 19, 2021
We have always been told that nothing is absolutely black and white, there are always shades of grey. With Dr. Khemka, he is 100% black that he won't tolerate corruption. He intends to be the black hole through which no corrupt file should pass. Let me summarise this book in some astounding facts that will persuade you to pick up this book:
1) Dr. Khemka is an IIT KGP Alum in Computer Science with outstanding academic records. He was invited by leading American universities when he published papers on computational mathematics. He was a researcher at TIFR. He could have lived a comfortable life abroad but chose to serve India. He passed UPSC on the first attempt. He has appeared for law entrance at the age of 50 and was among the highest scorers amongst 4000 applicants.
2) If today the residents of Haryana are able to drink asbestos-free water, it is because of the intervention of Dr. Khemka. He fought with politicians, bureaucrats, and corporates with vested interests. He has come up with unique and innovative ways for the following:
a) Saving tons of grains from rotting through unique storage and roof sealing process
b) Reigning the absenteeism by the school teachers and government employees
c) Enrolling 19 Lakh Pensioners digitally and weeding out illegal names through digitization
d) Promoting Sports in the state and assigned to conduct negotiation with WTO on subsidies
e) Rationalising Power Subsidy for the farmers
3) He has turned loss-making government corporations he has headed into profitable ventures within 6 - 8 months of duty ( because that's the maximum duty he has been allowed to)
4) When he dared to cross CM Chautala over the transfer of teachers for the well-being of students, the CMO quickly transferred and deprived him of his car. Dr. Khemka used to walk daily to his office. This got so much media coverage that the CM had to return the car with a driver and request him to take the car so that the media doesn't hound the CM anymore
5) When he dared to cancel the DLF-Vadra land mutation deal, he was given death threats, harassed over petty issues and a whisper campaign was started against him by senior congress leaders who are also lawyers. Dr. Khemka could stand all of it but not a blot on his impeccable integrity. He cried on national television and with him, the media gave him unparalleled support. How-much and however I despise media, I must say that media has stood with the truth of Dr. Khemka.
The book describes the role of Dr. Khemka's wife, her sufferings to uphold the values espoused by her husband. They have not only suffered financially but also socially and psychologically. So much so, that their relatives shunned Dr. Khemka ( as he meant trouble). Very few wanted to become friends with their sons. Their friend and relative circle started ostracizing them from social functions lest they invite the ire of the ruling dispensation.
However, Dr. Khemka has braved all these for the last 26 years and in 53 transfers. He has fought with the most dangerous men and yet emerged unscathed. Does the question arise why don't we have more people like Khemka? The answer is simple - We consider a person smart and intelligent if he has managed to amass huge wealth ( even if through illegal means). On the other Dr. Khemka, a savant mind of the country is a man of modest means. He could have acquired wealth but he chose NOT TO.
Coincidentally, I completed this book in Gurgaon (the place where it all started) during my 2-day visit to the city. Being the son of an honest government officer, I can very well understand the struggles and dilemmas of an honest officer.
So what could be a fitting tribute to Dr. Khemka for his legendary service?
Just as I had studied in my school that King Harishchandra was synonymous to truth, I would want my future generation to learn about Dr. Khemka through a chapter in the school textbook and learn about upholding duty, values and service to the community at large through his anecdotes and incidents.
1) Dr. Khemka is an IIT KGP Alum in Computer Science with outstanding academic records. He was invited by leading American universities when he published papers on computational mathematics. He was a researcher at TIFR. He could have lived a comfortable life abroad but chose to serve India. He passed UPSC on the first attempt. He has appeared for law entrance at the age of 50 and was among the highest scorers amongst 4000 applicants.
2) If today the residents of Haryana are able to drink asbestos-free water, it is because of the intervention of Dr. Khemka. He fought with politicians, bureaucrats, and corporates with vested interests. He has come up with unique and innovative ways for the following:
a) Saving tons of grains from rotting through unique storage and roof sealing process
b) Reigning the absenteeism by the school teachers and government employees
c) Enrolling 19 Lakh Pensioners digitally and weeding out illegal names through digitization
d) Promoting Sports in the state and assigned to conduct negotiation with WTO on subsidies
e) Rationalising Power Subsidy for the farmers
3) He has turned loss-making government corporations he has headed into profitable ventures within 6 - 8 months of duty ( because that's the maximum duty he has been allowed to)
4) When he dared to cross CM Chautala over the transfer of teachers for the well-being of students, the CMO quickly transferred and deprived him of his car. Dr. Khemka used to walk daily to his office. This got so much media coverage that the CM had to return the car with a driver and request him to take the car so that the media doesn't hound the CM anymore
5) When he dared to cancel the DLF-Vadra land mutation deal, he was given death threats, harassed over petty issues and a whisper campaign was started against him by senior congress leaders who are also lawyers. Dr. Khemka could stand all of it but not a blot on his impeccable integrity. He cried on national television and with him, the media gave him unparalleled support. How-much and however I despise media, I must say that media has stood with the truth of Dr. Khemka.
The book describes the role of Dr. Khemka's wife, her sufferings to uphold the values espoused by her husband. They have not only suffered financially but also socially and psychologically. So much so, that their relatives shunned Dr. Khemka ( as he meant trouble). Very few wanted to become friends with their sons. Their friend and relative circle started ostracizing them from social functions lest they invite the ire of the ruling dispensation.
However, Dr. Khemka has braved all these for the last 26 years and in 53 transfers. He has fought with the most dangerous men and yet emerged unscathed. Does the question arise why don't we have more people like Khemka? The answer is simple - We consider a person smart and intelligent if he has managed to amass huge wealth ( even if through illegal means). On the other Dr. Khemka, a savant mind of the country is a man of modest means. He could have acquired wealth but he chose NOT TO.
Coincidentally, I completed this book in Gurgaon (the place where it all started) during my 2-day visit to the city. Being the son of an honest government officer, I can very well understand the struggles and dilemmas of an honest officer.
So what could be a fitting tribute to Dr. Khemka for his legendary service?
Just as I had studied in my school that King Harishchandra was synonymous to truth, I would want my future generation to learn about Dr. Khemka through a chapter in the school textbook and learn about upholding duty, values and service to the community at large through his anecdotes and incidents.
May 19, 2020
The exception ,the phenomenon Dr Khemka. Beautifully captures his life struggle, shows how his upbringing contributed to his distaste for corruption and his tough stand against injustice.His simplicity reminds us about how Gandhiji led his crusade. Often questioned by his peers as to why he does’t leaves the service or enticed by political parties to fight corruption through political offices .Dr Khemka answers in his Gandhian style of how it is his struggle .No matter what ,his resolve is an inspiration for the next generation not only to fight the malaise but stand up for the right cause even when you are punished for being right.—“Justice even when the heavens fall”. His decision to stand up for public interest shows that instead of blaming the system , politics or the country one should blame for himself/herself for the neck deep corruption in society. I have genuinely become a life long fan of yours— Dr khemka.
July 7, 2020
Originally on -https://thebookwormsociety.wordpress....
This book is important as it gives us a peek into the harsh India the higher Officials of India has to face. A country which is filled with corruption and has become a hub of illegal activities , where the powerful run the masses.
From the synopsis it was clear to me that this book will be an eye opener and will pose infront of the readers some important questions which one must ask. The book starts off with an introduction about Ashok Khemka’s life- from his childhood to becoming an IAS. All of us in India is well aware about the struggles and intensity of the competition that one has to endure in order to qualify for UPSC. But the actual challenges start when one, who has worked hard so much, needs to bow down in front of a powerful person just because he is of a higher status and money.Throughout the book many important questions have been asked. It urges the readers to ask and think about a lot of deals that happen in India. It personally made me question if there is any law and order for the riches or is it only their money that does the talking!
The writing of the book is remarkable and as a person who generally dont read Non Fiction, I was immediately drawn into the book. It also has few pictures of Khemka throughout the year.I loved it. And if you are a UPSC aspirant or want to learn more about what happens to an honest officer in India, pick up this book!
This book is important as it gives us a peek into the harsh India the higher Officials of India has to face. A country which is filled with corruption and has become a hub of illegal activities , where the powerful run the masses.
From the synopsis it was clear to me that this book will be an eye opener and will pose infront of the readers some important questions which one must ask. The book starts off with an introduction about Ashok Khemka’s life- from his childhood to becoming an IAS. All of us in India is well aware about the struggles and intensity of the competition that one has to endure in order to qualify for UPSC. But the actual challenges start when one, who has worked hard so much, needs to bow down in front of a powerful person just because he is of a higher status and money.Throughout the book many important questions have been asked. It urges the readers to ask and think about a lot of deals that happen in India. It personally made me question if there is any law and order for the riches or is it only their money that does the talking!
The writing of the book is remarkable and as a person who generally dont read Non Fiction, I was immediately drawn into the book. It also has few pictures of Khemka throughout the year.I loved it. And if you are a UPSC aspirant or want to learn more about what happens to an honest officer in India, pick up this book!
June 7, 2026
Just Transferred: The Untold Story of Ashok Khemka, written by veteran journalists Bhavdeep Kang and Namita Kala, is a striking, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of Indian bureaucracy. It functions simultaneously as a compelling biography of an unyielding IAS officer and a sharp critique of a system that frequently prioritizes political compliance over institutional integrity.
Kang and Kala bring a distinctly journalistic rigor to the prose. The book relies on meticulous documentation, file notes, and official correspondence rather than purely emotional storytelling. This matter-of-fact presentation makes the underlying reality even more stark.
While the narrative occasionally gets weighed down by the dense technicalities of land revenue rules, crop seed distribution scams, and administrative procedures, these details are necessary. They demonstrate that Khemka’s interventions weren't just theatrical acts of rebellion, but deeply researched, rule-bound administrative objections.
For anyone working within or alongside the civil services, Just Transferred is a sobering, essential read. It strips away the traditional aura of the "steel frame" of India to reveal the profound vulnerabilities within governance. It leaves the reader with a critical, lingering question: In a system designed to reward compliance, how can institutional spaces be preserved for systemic integrity?
Kang and Kala bring a distinctly journalistic rigor to the prose. The book relies on meticulous documentation, file notes, and official correspondence rather than purely emotional storytelling. This matter-of-fact presentation makes the underlying reality even more stark.
While the narrative occasionally gets weighed down by the dense technicalities of land revenue rules, crop seed distribution scams, and administrative procedures, these details are necessary. They demonstrate that Khemka’s interventions weren't just theatrical acts of rebellion, but deeply researched, rule-bound administrative objections.
For anyone working within or alongside the civil services, Just Transferred is a sobering, essential read. It strips away the traditional aura of the "steel frame" of India to reveal the profound vulnerabilities within governance. It leaves the reader with a critical, lingering question: In a system designed to reward compliance, how can institutional spaces be preserved for systemic integrity?
January 27, 2022
I was expecting a bit more of his personal opinion on inside thoughts while dealing with cases, but as he is still serving as a bureaucrat so can't comment so freely publicly, may be after retirement he write his autobiography which will full of so many learnings.
Regarding Ashok Khemka Sir, I have watched videos of YouTube and read columns in newspaper about his honesty to the public. It's very tough in the current scenario of bureaucracy to remain incorrupt as corruption is institutional right now to each level from top to buttom.
I always feel that if u need to end corruption then it should start from top down approach and for this we need political executives with good intention to start implementing things more openly.
Regarding Ashok Khemka Sir, I have watched videos of YouTube and read columns in newspaper about his honesty to the public. It's very tough in the current scenario of bureaucracy to remain incorrupt as corruption is institutional right now to each level from top to buttom.
I always feel that if u need to end corruption then it should start from top down approach and for this we need political executives with good intention to start implementing things more openly.
May 20, 2022
The chronology is just mind numbing. I had to constantly keep turning the pages forward and back to link up the history spread over many many pages.
I keep my personal notes on margin, linking the stuff spread all over the book.
But I just could not let it go, because I fell in deep love with Khemka .. and that is how I imagine how goodness and plain simple honest hearts should drive one's consciousness. No motive, no seeking of fame, money, power, just plane simple real truth. Truth and nothing but the truth. Let TRUTH be our only object where are perceiving organs delve into deeply, with zero personal motives. Hail Khemka .. how wonderfully clean and transparent truth looks .. I just could not take my eyes off.
Finished reading in one go.
I keep my personal notes on margin, linking the stuff spread all over the book.
But I just could not let it go, because I fell in deep love with Khemka .. and that is how I imagine how goodness and plain simple honest hearts should drive one's consciousness. No motive, no seeking of fame, money, power, just plane simple real truth. Truth and nothing but the truth. Let TRUTH be our only object where are perceiving organs delve into deeply, with zero personal motives. Hail Khemka .. how wonderfully clean and transparent truth looks .. I just could not take my eyes off.
Finished reading in one go.
April 12, 2022
The book is amazing I would say. Author has presented all the hardships that a top bureaucrat has to face when he stands up for the injustices happening around him. The book very well portrays the amount of trauma that he has gone through , also the family was in a state of constant transition.
Transfers, Death Threats (DLF CASE) disrespect and what not he has witnessed but he had an unflinching integrity, brutal honesty, fearless attitude , and at the same time he maintained high level of professional excellency .
The man who suffered 53 transfers in 24 years and still in service, must be made up of a different soil.
Transfers, Death Threats (DLF CASE) disrespect and what not he has witnessed but he had an unflinching integrity, brutal honesty, fearless attitude , and at the same time he maintained high level of professional excellency .
The man who suffered 53 transfers in 24 years and still in service, must be made up of a different soil.
April 3, 2022
Very well written book
Good easy read. Inspiring. Showing us the true face of real politics. Teach us to fight against odd is very difficult but can be done . And that hero do not always win.
Good easy read. Inspiring. Showing us the true face of real politics. Teach us to fight against odd is very difficult but can be done . And that hero do not always win.
March 27, 2020
Its a clear depiction of an officer and its crusade to save public money.
Though a bit technical in explanation where it becomes lethargic but overall a good read.
Though a bit technical in explanation where it becomes lethargic but overall a good read.
April 6, 2020
Needs more meat, better editing.
June 13, 2020
Intriguing and inspiring book.Book tells a lot about inner working style of Bureaucracy and government.
August 9, 2021
The way Ashok Khemka worked for Indian Bureaucracy is Inspirational, the way he ditched corrupted politicians, seniors in every department he was transferred was thrilling.We need officers like him.
Read
August 11, 2021Ideal person to follow
A very inspiring book, which tells the reality and price paid to live like a honest officer. I hope in future lot get inspired by reading this book. 🙏
A very inspiring book, which tells the reality and price paid to live like a honest officer. I hope in future lot get inspired by reading this book. 🙏
January 30, 2022
Well written and narrative is gripping! Book clearly lays out the struggles that honest civil servants face while doing their duty
May 9, 2022
Must read
July 21, 2022
I was very curious to read about Ashok Sir. This is a very good read.
January 15, 2023
It is like a bio data sheet with little personal details.
January 2, 2021
3.75 .
Though I look upto Mr Ashok Khemka and truly admire him , I expected a lot more from the book and to delve more into how he resolved the situations first hand, not like so this happened and this was sorted , kind of thing.
Though I look upto Mr Ashok Khemka and truly admire him , I expected a lot more from the book and to delve more into how he resolved the situations first hand, not like so this happened and this was sorted , kind of thing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews