Divya Mittal, a former IAS officer, has officially declared her entry into politics in a video posted on September 29. However, she has stated that she will not align with any political party. Mittal, who completed 13 years of service in the Uttar Pradesh cadre before resigning, has attributed her political ambitions to her experiences in government. Her primary focus areas include education, the resolution of examination irregularities, and the precarious employment landscape that young individuals face today.

Challenges Encountered During Administrative Tenure

Mittal reflects on her time in civil service by recounting an incident during an inspection of water supply projects in Lahuriyadah, Mirzapur. She met a local woman who surprisingly prioritised the need for further educational advancement at the village school, which currently offered classes only up to the fifth grade. Mittal discovered that although necessary approvals for expanding the school’s facilities had been secured, no progress had been made on construction in three years. She highlighted systemic issues, suggesting that administrative delays, rather than a lack of resources, hinder access to education for rural children.

Her experiences led her to question the effectiveness of the bureaucratic processes that directly impact educational opportunities. Mittal emphasised that such obstacles reflect deeper issues within the system that prevent educational growth in rural areas. By sharing this story, she aims to shed light on the urgent need for reform within educational policies to better serve communities.

Concerns Regarding Examination Irregularities and Employment

In her announcement, Mittal voiced significant concerns relating to the current challenges faced by students preparing for competitive exams. She pointed out issues such as paper leaks and other irregularities that she believes jeopardise the efforts of countless young aspirants. According to Mittal, students dedicate years of hard work to preparing for these exams, only to face setbacks due to flaws in the examination system.

Additionally, Mittal expressed worry over the rapid developments in artificial intelligence and its ramifications for job opportunities. She questioned whether adequate dialogue has occurred regarding the future landscape of employment for young people amidst these technological shifts. As a mother of two daughters, she articulated her concerns about their prospective futures in a rapidly evolving job market, urging that discussions and strategies need to be prioritised to safeguard opportunities for the next generation.

Political Philosophy and Vision for Uttar Pradesh

Mittal outlined her political vision, emphasising that her approach would be grounded in four key principles: intention, justice, concern, and critical thinking. She stressed the importance of addressing genuine problems faced by the populace rather than treating them as electoral strategies. Mittal acknowledged her lack of financial resources or “muscle power” often associated with political campaigns, advocating instead for the allocation of development funds towards essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, and schools.

Identifying Uttar Pradesh as her “karmabhoomi,” or land of action, she expressed her desire to initiate her political career within the state where she has served in various administrative capacities. Her resignation from the IAS was accepted on September 15, 2026, following a prior announcement on August 30, attributing her decision to personal and family reasons. With a strong educational background from IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, and international experience, Mittal plans to engage the public as she charts her future political path, asserting that the power of the people is essential for change.

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