Who Is Divya Mittal? IAS Officer Resigns After 13-Year Civil Service Career

IAS officer Divya Mittal has resigned from the civil service after a 13-year career during which she served as district magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. Announcing her decision, Mittal said she was voluntarily stepping away from what she called an unforgettable journey. "Today, I have voluntarily stepped away from an unforgettable 13-year journey by resigning from the IAS," she said in a statement.

Who Is Divya Mittal

Mittal grew up in modest surroundings and studied at IIT Delhi before completing her education at IIM Bangalore. She went on to work in London, serving as an associate at JPMorgan from April 2007 to July 2008. Despite achieving professional success abroad, she said something still felt incomplete. "Even after attaining 'everything,' something still felt incomplete. Being away from my country weighed on me," she said. Navneet Sehgal Resigns: Retired IAS Officer Quits As Chairperson of Prasar Bharati Halfway Through His 3-Year Tenure.

Deoria DM Divya Mittal Resigns After 13 Years

Mittal said she felt a deep sense of responsibility toward India because of the opportunities she had received. "My education, my confidence, the strength to walk tall anywhere in the world - all of it was a debt owed to this soil. That debt had to be repaid," she said. She eventually returned to India and joined the IAS.

Lessons From Her Postings

During her tenure as district magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar, Mittal said her postings shaped her understanding of public service. "Deoria taught me that standing with what is right is not an option, but a duty. Mirzapur taught me that 'impossible' is not a fact, but just an opinion," she said. Kannan Gopinathan Asks PM Narendra Modi To Accept His Resignation, Says 'It's Been 7 Years!'.

She spoke of a deeper connection formed with the people of Mirzapur, referencing her experience at the temple of Mother Vindhyavasini. "And sitting at the feet of Mother Vindhyavasini, I learned that true power comes not from any position, but from her grace and the trust of the people," she said. Mittal recalled moments such as families receiving land rights, differently-abled individuals gaining dignity, and farmers finally accessing water for their fields, describing these as the moments that shaped her true understanding of justice. "Walking alongside their struggles, I learned that behind every government file is a person, and upholding their dignity is what justice truly means," she said.

'I Received The Most'

Reflecting on her service, Mittal said she had once believed she was entering public service to give back, but realised over time that she had gained far more than she gave. "I was a fool to think I had come to give something. The truth is, I received the most, and that debt only grew deeper. I received so much love, so much respect, so much belonging, that my lap overflowed," she said.

She recounted a particularly moving memory involving an elderly woman from Lahuriya Dih, who blessed her silently after water reached the village for the first time. "The position may be left behind today, but that touch will never leave me in this lifetime," Mittal said. She added that the dream she carried for India would continue to stay with her even after leaving the IAS.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 10:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).