Amid the controversy surrounding trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s alleged submission of fake disability certificates, another former bureaucrat, Abhishek Singh, is now under fire for his selection under the disability criteria. Singh, a 2011 batch IAS officer who resigned last year to pursue a career in acting, has come under scrutiny after his dance and gym videos went viral on social media.
The videos sparked a wave of comments from social media users demanding greater transparency and accountability in the bureaucratic selection process. Abhishek Singh had claimed to have a locomotor disability to receive concessions in the UPSC selection process.
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Responding to the allegations, Abhishek Singh addressed his critics in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that he is being targeted for his support of reservations. “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,” he wrote.
Abhishek Singh emphasized his commitment to social work and the importance of reservations in government jobs. “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,” he added.
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“I move on the strength of my talent, confidence, and courage, not in anyone’s favour.”
Meanwhile, Puja Khedkar, who has been criticized for using a siren on her private Audi and demanding privileges not available to junior officers, now faces more serious charges. Puja Khedkar had claimed to be visually and mentally impaired in an affidavit submitted to the UPSC but refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to confirm these disabilities.
The Centre has formed a one-member committee to investigate the allegations against Puja Khedkar. Sources indicate that she may be dismissed if found guilty and could face criminal action for hiding facts and misrepresentation.
