UP IAS Officer Divya Mittal Resigns, Cites Debt to the Land

Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, announced her voluntary resignation on Sunday, August 30, 2026, through a social media post. She described her 13-year tenure as an "unforgettable journey" that began with a dream of a successful life and a return to her roots.

In her post, Mittal recounted her path from a humble upbringing to studying at IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, followed by a job in London. Despite material success abroad, she felt a persistent incompleteness, a sense of owing a debt to her homeland. This conviction brought her back to India and into the civil services.

Her post highlighted the profound lessons learned during her postings. In Deoria, she said she learned that standing up for what is right is a duty, not a choice. Mirzapur taught her that "impossible" is merely an opinion, not a fact. She credited her time in Mirzapur, at the feet of Mother Vindhyavasini, with teaching her that true power comes from grace and public trust, not from position.

Mittal wrote that the deepest satisfaction came from witnessing the impact of her work—a family receiving land rights for the first time, a disabled person gaining dignity, and a farmer's fields receiving water. She emphasized that behind every government file is a person, and maintaining their dignity is justice.

Reflecting on her journey, she admitted she had thought she came to give something but realized she received far more. The affection and confidence shown by the people, even in her moments of fatigue, gave her courage. She recalled an elderly woman from the Lahuriya Dah hills who, upon seeing water reach her village for the first time, silently blessed her with a touch on the head. Mittal concluded that while she may have lost her position, that touch and the dream given to her by the land will remain with her for life.