Antar Singh Nehra, a 2009 batch IAS officer has taken voluntary retirement, 4 months before his scheduled retirement on January 31, 2024. The government has accepted his application and he will be relieved on September 30, 2023.
He is currently serving as divisional commissioner Jaipur. He has also served as Jaipur collector during this government.
Nehra, considered close to chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress is rumoured to contest election on any seat in Jhunjhunu or Hanumangarh districts. However, he denies such plans saying that he sought VRS for family reasons.
Nehra is the third IAS who has taken VRS this year. Yagya Mitra Singh Deo and Pawan Arora have also taken VRS. While Arora had 29 months left, Deo took VRS with barely a month left in his tenure.
Arora has joined a regional TV channel and newspaper as CEO and Editor. All three IAS are promoted from state civil service ( RAS).
The timing of VRS hints at Nehra's political ambition. He is considered close to Gehlot and have always got good posting during Gehlot regime.
“Nehra is an efficient officer and is a popular Jat face. Congress may encash his popularity in Jat belt. With Rameshwar Dudi still hospitalised and recuperating from brain stroke and Jyoti Mirdha joining BJP, Nehra can fill the void in Jat politics,” said Rameshwar Singh, a political commentator.
Apart from Nehra, another IAS promoted from RAS who had also been Jaipur collector Jagroop Singh Yadav, is planning to contest assembly elections. He is also a Gehlot confidante and is present serving as membe rod Rajasthan Civil Services Appellate Tribunal.
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