UP govt orders probe into IAS officer Sameer Verma over unauthorized absence

According to official sources, Verma had applied for study leave, which was rejected by the Appointment Department. Despite this, he neither resumed duty nor reported to his assigned post.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 15 April 2026, 11:54 AM IST

UP govt orders probe into IAS officer Sameer Verma

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a departmental inquiry against senior IAS officer Sameer Verma over his prolonged unauthorized absence and failure to assume charge of an important administrative position.

A 2002-batch officer of the UP cadre, Verma was appointed Secretary in the Planning Department on October 8, 2025. However, several months after the appointment, he has yet to take charge, prompting the administration to act after an extended period of silence on the issue.

To investigate the matter, the state government has appointed Anil Garg, Principal Secretary (Irrigation), as the inquiry officer. According to official sources, Verma had applied for study leave, which was rejected by the Appointment Department. Despite this, he neither resumed duty nor reported to his assigned post.
The development has also brought renewed attention to past controversies involving the officer. In June 2025, Verma was linked to alleged irregularities in transfers within the Stamp and Registration Department, where he was serving as Inspector General. Following the allegations, he was removed from the post on June 19 and placed on a waiting list. Although he was later reassigned in October, he did not join the new role.

Originally from Gwalior, Verma cleared the UPSC examination in 2001 and has held several key administrative positions during his career. His previous assignments include serving as District Magistrate in districts such as Bareilly, Varanasi, Meerut, and Kanpur Nagar, along with roles as Chief Development Officer and Joint Magistrate in different parts of the state.

He also served as Private Secretary to Uma Bharti during her tenure as Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in 2014.

The ongoing inquiry has sparked broader discussions within administrative circles regarding accountability and discipline in public service. Officials expect the probe to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Verma’s absence in the coming weeks.