Father-Son IAS Duo: Sanwarmal Verma Retires as Son Kanishk Kataria Signs His Farewell Order – A Proud Moment in Indian Civil Service

BHARATPUR – Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sanwarmal Verma retired from his position as Divisional Commissioner of Bharatpur on September 30, but his retirement gained more attention due to a rather unusual coincidence. The retirement order was signed by none other than his son, Kanishk Kataria, a fellow IAS officer.

Verma, who was promoted to the IAS from the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) in 2018, saw his career culminate in a memorable way as his son signed the additional charge order assigning his responsibilities to another officer. Kataria currently serves as Joint Secretary in the Personnel Department, and it is his job to sign off on transfer, retirement, and other service-related orders for IAS, IPS, and RAS officers.

Verma, reflecting on this special moment, said, “As a father, it is a moment of pride that the retirement order related to me was signed by my son.”

A Proud Journey: From RAS to IAS

Sanwarmal Verma’s career saw him rise through the ranks of the Rajasthan Administrative Service before earning his promotion to IAS in 2018. His son, Kanishk Kataria, topped the 2018 Civil Services Examination, joining the prestigious IAS in 2019. The father-son duo became IAS officers within just a few months of each other, marking a remarkable achievement for the family.

Kanishk Kataria: A Topper and IIT Graduate

Before joining the civil services, Kataria had already established himself as a standout in the academic world. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Upon graduation, he received a lucrative job offer abroad, reportedly with an annual package of ₹1 crore. However, Kataria chose to leave the corporate world behind, returning to India to prepare for the Civil Services Examination, where he succeeded on his first attempt.

A Retirement Filled with Pride

As Sanwarmal Verma retires, the spotlight is not only on his successful career but also on the unique father-son connection in the Indian Administrative Service. The retirement order signed by his son serves as a fitting end to a career marked by dedication, service, and family pride.