Amid claims that Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer, submitted fake disability certificates to get selected, another IAS officer’s selection under the disability criteria is under scrutiny.
A 2011 batch IAS officer, Abhishek Singh, who resigned last year to become an actor, is under fire after his dance and gym videos went viral on social media.
During his UPSC selection process, Singh claimed to have a locomotor disability to avail concessions, NDTV reported.
Several netizens commented on the videos shared by Abhishek Singh and questioned his disability claims.
Singh responded to the allegations and said that he was being targeted for supporting reservations.
In a post on X, Abhishek Singh said, “”Although I am not affected by any criticism, this is the first time I am answering my critics because my supporters asked me to. Since I started supporting reservations, anti-reservationists have targeted me. They question my caste and my job. Let me tell you, I have achieved everything through hard work and courage, not through reservation.”
“I have done social work through my initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement without government help. I believe that reservation in government jobs should be according to the population, and I will work towards that. If you think you have talent, stop trying for government jobs and excel in business, sports, or acting. There is no reservation there,” a rough English translation of a post in Hindi read.
“I move on the strength of my talent, confidence, and courage, not in anyone’s favour,” he added.
Controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar
IAS trainee Puja Khedkar stirred widespread controversy over using a beacon light on her private Audi car and raising demands for a separate house and car – privileges not available to junior officers. As the row erupted, the 2023-batch IAS officer got embroiled in far more serious charges.
During her selection, Khedkar claimed to be visually and mentally impaired in an affidavit submitted to the UPSC but refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to confirm those.
The Centre has formed a one-member committee to look into the allegations against Pooja Khedkar.