IAS Officer Rinkoo Singh Rahee Seeks Work, Not Exit from Government Service
In a significant development from Lucknow, Rinkoo Singh Rahee, a 2023-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has clarified that his recent 'technical resignation' to the President of India was not an attempt to leave his government job. Instead, he emphasized his desire to be assigned meaningful work, as he has been without any official duties for the past eight months.
Clarification on Resignation Intent
On Wednesday, Rahee stated, "Some people give in their resignation as they do not like government work. But I like govt work and I have tendered a technical resignation. If you are not letting me work here, then send me back to a place where I can work." This clarification comes after he submitted his resignation, citing frustration over being attached to the Board of Revenue since July 30, 2025, with no real responsibilities.
Background and Career Path
Rahee had previously served as a Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officer in Uttar Pradesh before clearing the IAS examination and being selected in 2023. He highlighted that his case might be unprecedented since India's Independence, referring to the demoralizing impact such situations can have on young officers. His attachment to the Board of Revenue, where he even refused to accept salary for two months in 2025 due to lack of work, underscores the severity of the issue.
Controversial Past Incidents
The officer's tenure has been marked by controversy. Just six days before his attachment to the Board of Revenue, he was transferred to Shahjahanpur district as joint commissioner. There, he made a lawyer do squats for urinating in public, and when lawyers protested over dirty toilets in the tehsil, Rahee himself performed five squats, a video that went viral. In his letter to the President, he alleged that he was not given a fair hearing before being sent to the Board of Revenue.
Historical Context of Challenges
Rahee's challenges are not new. In 2009, as a PCS officer in the social welfare department, he reportedly exposed several corruption cases. This led to threats from the then principal secretary and an attack by unidentified assailants that left his face partially paralyzed. Despite these adversities, he has continued to advocate for transparency and efficiency in government work.
Current Status and Department Response
As of now, there has been no response from his department regarding his 'technical resignation.' This lack of action further highlights the bureaucratic delays and potential issues in officer deployment that Rahee is protesting against. His case raises important questions about resource allocation and morale within the civil services.
In summary, Rinkoo Singh Rahee's situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective work assignments in government roles to prevent demotivation among dedicated officers. His clarification aims to redirect focus from resignation to the core issue of providing meaningful employment within the administrative framework.
