After Puja Khedkar, former IAS officer Abhishek Singh faces scrutiny over disability claim
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Recent controversy surrounding a trainee IAS officer's alleged fraudulent disability claims has sparked broader scrutiny of appointments under the disability quota. Attention has now turned to Abhishek Singh, a former IAS officer from the 2011 batch who resigned to pursue acting.
Abhishek Singh, who claimed locomotor disability for UPSC selection concessions, faces public criticism after his dance and gym videos gained popularity on social media. This has led to calls for greater transparency in the IAS selection process.
In response to the backlash, Singh maintains that he's being targeted for his pro-reservation stance. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the integrity of disability quotas in IAS recruitment and the need for clearer verification processes.
The controversy underscores the challenges in balancing inclusivity with accountability in India's prestigious civil services, prompting discussions about potential reforms in the selection and verification procedures for IAS officers.
IAS officer from the 2011 batch, Abhishek Singh, who stepped down from his position in the previous year to pursue acting, is now facing scrutiny. This comes after videos of him dancing and working out in a gym gained widespread attention on social media platforms. It's worth noting that Singh had originally been selected for the IAS under the disability quota.
IAS officer's case has come under scrutiny, adding to the ongoing debate about the credibility of the Union Public Service Commission's examination process. This follows a separate incident involving trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly submitted fake disability certificates to secure her position.
The IAS officer in question is Abhishek Singh, from the 2011 batch, who resigned last year to pursue a career in acting. Abhishek Singh has attracted attention after videos of him dancing and exercising in a gym went viral on social media. What's particularly notable is that Abhishek Singh was originally selected for the IAS under the disability quota, claiming to have a locomotor disability to receive concessions during the UPSC selection process.
This revelation has prompted many to question the legitimacy of his disability status and call for greater transparency and accountability in the bureaucratic selection process. In response to these allegations, former IAS officer Abhishek Singh reportedly stated that he is being targeted for his support of reservations. He defended himself on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), asserting that his achievements are the result of hard work and courage, not reservations.
Abhishek Singh's case has reignited discussions about the integrity of the UPSC selection process, particularly regarding the verification of disability claims and the overall fairness of the system.
The IAS officer in question continued to defend his position, emphasizing his commitment to social work through initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement, which he claims were accomplished without government assistance. He expressed his belief that reservation in government jobs should be proportional to population demographics and stated his intention to work towards this goal.
The former IAS officer challenged critics, suggesting that those who believe in their talents should pursue careers in business, sports, or acting, where reservations do not apply. He asserted that his success stems from his talent, confidence, and courage, rather than from any external favors.
This IAS officer, who unsuccessfully ran for election in Jaunpur this year, has maintained a strong social media presence. His career has not been without controversy. In November 2022, he was removed from his role as a general observer for Gujarat assembly polls by the Election Commission for what was deemed a "publicity stunt" involving Instagram posts with his official vehicle.
Reports indicate that in 2015, he was given a three-year deputation to the Delhi Government, which was extended in 2018. However, in 2020, he was sent back to his parent cadre in Uttar Pradesh due to medical leave, after which he reportedly did not resume his duties for an extended period.
The former IAS officer has also ventured into acting, appearing in the Netflix series "Delhi Crime," the short film "Chaar Pandrah," and a music video by B Praak. Originally from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, his wife, Durga Shakti Nagpal, currently serves as the District Magistrate of Banda district.
Former IAS officer, Abhishek Singh, defended himself against critics, claiming he's targeted for supporting reservations. He asserted his achievements stemmed from hard work, not quota benefits. Singh highlighted his social initiatives and advocacy for reservation based on population in government jobs.
Concurrently, another IAS officer, Puja Khedkar from the 2023 batch, faces serious allegations. She's accused of misusing official privileges and potentially falsifying disability claims in her UPSC application. The government has initiated an investigation into Khedkar's case, with possible dismissal and criminal charges if found guilty.
These incidents underscore the scrutiny and controversies surrounding IAS officers, touching on sensitive issues like reservations, professional conduct, and the integrity of the civil services selection process.