Former IAS Divya Mittal to enter politics, wants to fix education and jobs
“As a mother of two daughters, it is natural for me to worry about their future,” former IAS officer Divya Mittal said in a video released on September 29.
She announced that she would now enter politics, but would not join any political party. Among her priorities are education, examination irregularities and the uncertain employment future facing young people.
“I want to be the voice of those whose voices are unable to reach government offices, and even when they do, are often not heard,” she said.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop, Mittal wants to know what the future holds for young people entering the workforce. “AI could change many jobs in the future,” she said, questioning why there was not enough public discussion about the world today's children would grow up in.
For Mittal, who resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after 13 years, these questions are among the reasons she has decided to enter politics. ‘WHAT FUTURE ARE WE BUILDING FOR OUR CHILDREN?’
Mittal's concerns about employment are closely linked to the challenges students face even before they enter the job market.
Speaking about paper leaks and examination irregularities, she pointed out that young people spend years preparing for competitive examinations. When the process is disrupted, their hard work and future plans are affected.
“As a girl from an ordinary family, I got the opportunity to move ahead through education,” she said.
Her own journey took her from IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore to a job in London, before she returned to India to prepare for the civil services.
She said today's young people face a different set of challenges, from the uncertainty surrounding examinations to questions about what AI could mean for their careers.A VILLAGE SCHOOL THAT COULD NOT MOVE BEYOND CLASS 5
Her concerns about education also come from her time in the administration.
Recalling an inspection in the Lahuriyadah area of Mirzapur, Mittal said she met a woman who asked for the next grade to be introduced at the village school.
The school offered classes only up to Class 5, making it difficult for children to continue their education.
Mittal said she checked the rules and approvals and found that the school had been approved. Yet, even after three years, construction had not begun.
The experience left her questioning why a project could remain stalled despite the necessary approvals. For her, the incident highlighted how administrative delays can stand between children and access to education.‘WE NEED PEOPLE’S POWER’
Mittal said her decision to enter politics was not about securing a position, but about raising issues that often go unheard.
She described Uttar Pradesh as her “karmabhoomi” and said she wanted to begin her political journey in the state. She also made it clear that she would not join a political party, adding that the shape of her political platform would be decided with the people.
Mittal announced her resignation on August 30, with the decision taking effect on September 15, 2026.
Now, as she prepares for a new chapter, education, examination reforms and the future of young people's employment are among the issues she wants to bring into public discussion.- Ends
