A contentious debate has erupted on social media, where numerous individuals are scrutinizing the appointments of several IAS, IPS, and IRS officers, particularly those selected through various quotas. The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, an IAS probationer in Maharashtra facing disciplinary action for alleged misuse of authority, has sparked broader discussions about the integrity of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recruitment process.
Social media platforms are abuzz with criticisms focused on the relaxations and advantages afforded to candidates under categories such as Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Other Backward Class (OBC), and disability quotas within civil services selections. These discussions have highlighted specific cases, including claims of improper use of disability certificates and other reservations.
One prominent instance involved Nikita Khandelwal, a visually impaired IAS officer, who was targeted in social media posts questioning her capabilities after she was photographed at an RTO office. Khandelwal clarified that she was there for an inspection, cautioning against prejudging disabilities based on limited information.
Similarly, allegations against Abhishek Singh, a former IAS officer, claimed he misrepresented his locomotive disability status. Singh vehemently denied these accusations, emphasizing his achievements were based on merit, not reservation benefits.
Further scrutiny targeted Asif K Yusuf and Priyanhu Khati, accused of obtaining positions through allegedly fraudulent OBC and disability certificates, respectively. These claims have yet to receive official responses from relevant authorities.
Medical professionals, including Dr. PK Mishra, underscored the stringent evaluation process for disability certificates, asserting the difficulty in falsifying such documentation.
Recent controversies also involved questioning the eligibility of IPS officer Anu Beniwal under the EWS quota, despite her familial ties to the police service. India Today's fact-check confirmed she did not misuse the quota.
Similar inquiries were raised against IAS officers like Ravi Kumar Sihag and Mohit Kasniya regarding their use of EWS and OBC certificates, respectively, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in quota allocations.
Mukesh Mohan, a Dalit rights activist, raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in quota utilization among civil servants, calling for clarifications from officers like Mohit Kasniya and Praful Desai, who defended their eligibility with certified documentation.
Despite these controversies, UPSC data reveals consistent appointments through disability quotas over recent years, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility within India's civil services.
The debate underscores broader societal discussions on fairness and integrity in administrative appointments, necessitating robust mechanisms to uphold transparency and meritocracy in public service recruitment.
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