After Puja Khedkar, another former IAS officer Abhishek Singh in soup over disability claim

PTC Web Desk: The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has been rocked by controversy of late. After the case of IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, fresh allegations against former IAS officer Abhishek Singh have resurfaced. Both cases involve claims of disability to gain advantages in the highly competitive UPSC selection process. 

Former IAS officer Abhishek Singh is accused of falsely claiming a locomotor disability to avail of concessions during the UPSC selection process. In response to these allegations, he has taken to social media to defend himself.

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— Abhishek Singh (@Abhishek_asitis) July 13, 2024

or reservations in government jobs. “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 said in his post.

The former IAS officer claimed that his accomplishments were achieved through his talent and determination rather than any advantage gained from reservations. He highlighted his contributions to social work through initiatives such as ‘United by Blood’ and ‘No-Shame Movement’. He also reiterated his belief that reservations in government jobs should reflect population demographics and vowed to continue advocating for this cause.

The Puja Khedkar Controversy:

Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has been in the news for using a siren on her private Audi and demanding privileges such as a separate house and car—benefits typically not available to junior officers. These actions drew significant public and media attention. However, Puja Khedkar now faces far more serious allegations. She claimed to be visually and mentally impaired in an affidavit submitted to the UPSC, but refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to verify these claims.

The Central Government has responded by forming a one-member committee to investigate the allegations against Puja Khedkar. Sources said if found guilty, she could face dismissal from her position and potential criminal charges for hiding facts and misrepresentation.