Bihar IAS & IPS Officers Ring in New Year Abroad: From Bali Beaches to American Festivities
Patna, Bihar | December 30, 2025 By NRIGlobe Correspondent
As the world prepares to welcome 2026, a growing number of senior bureaucrats from Bihar are choosing international destinations to celebrate the New Year. Reports indicate that over a dozen IAS and IPS officers from the state have availed sanctioned leaves to travel abroad, with popular spots including the United States, Indonesia’s Bali, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Oman. These extended vacations, some lasting up to several weeks, highlight a rising trend among Bihar’s civil servants to seek global experiences for relaxation and family time during the festive season.
While exact figures vary, sources in the Bihar General Administration Department suggest more than 12 officers—primarily from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS)—have proceeded on approved personal leave for foreign travel. All such trips comply with government regulations requiring prior intimation of destinations and durations.
Preferred Global Getaways for Bihar’s Elite Bureaucrats
The choice of destinations reflects a mix of adventure, luxury, and cultural appeal:
- United States: A top favorite, with officers heading to cities like New York and Los Angeles for New Year’s Eve spectacles, shopping, and family reunions. One senior IAS officer is reportedly spending the holidays exploring iconic sites amid the festive lights.
- Indonesia (Bali): Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, Bali has drawn several officers seeking tropical respite.
- Malaysia and Sri Lanka: Attracting those preferring shorter flights, with attractions like Kuala Lumpur’s modern skyline or Sri Lanka’s heritage sites.
- Oman: Emerging as a choice for its blend of Arabian culture and luxury, as seen in the case of Sitamarhi DM Richie Pandey, who has taken leave to visit Muscat.
Notable examples include IAS officer Geeta Singh vacationing in the US from late December into early January, and others who have already completed trips to Indonesia earlier in the season.
A department official noted, “These leaves are earned and fully sanctioned. Officers have ensured proper charge handovers to avoid any disruption in administrative functions.”
Guidelines Governing Overseas Vacations
As per All India Services rules, IAS and IPS officers can accumulate earned leave and avail international travel after obtaining necessary clearances. Personal foreign visits require disclosure of itinerary details, while study leaves (up to two years) offer additional benefits. The emphasis remains on maintaining professional conduct, even on holiday, as officers represent India globally.
This phenomenon isn’t new but has gained visibility amid social media shares and discussions within bureaucratic circles. For Bihar’s diaspora and NRI community, such stories resonate as a reminder of home ties—even as officers explore the world.
Perspective from the Diaspora
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) connected to Bihar, these vacations symbolize the evolving lifestyle of the state’s civil servants. Many NRIs appreciate the balance, noting that rejuvenated officers bring fresh global insights back to governance challenges in Bihar, from development projects to public service delivery.
As Bihar continues its growth trajectory, these personal escapes underscore the human side of those steering the state’s administration. Here’s wishing a happy and safe New Year to all officers abroad and their families!
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