Did Abhishek Singh Fake His Disability to Secure an IAS Position?
The Indian civil services, renowned for their rigorous selection process through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, are currently embroiled in controversy. Allegations against former IAS officer Abhishek Singh have raised questions about the integrity of the selection process, particularly concerning the use of disability certificates.
Singh, who resigned from his post in 2023 to pursue a career in acting, is accused of using a fake disability certificate to secure his position. This scandal follows similar accusations against trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, prompting a broader scrutiny of the system.
He is a 2011 batch IAS officer, has been accused of falsely claiming a locomotor disability to qualify under the PwBD-3 category during the UPSC selection process.
The PwBD-3 category includes conditions such as cerebral palsy, leprosy-cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy. Critics argue that Singh’s physical capabilities, as seen in videos of him dancing and working out in a gym, contradict his claim of having a severe disability that affects movement.
Social media has played a significant role in bringing these allegations to light. Users have circulated videos of Singh lifting weights and dancing, questioning the legitimacy of his disability claim.
A particular tweet by user @AdityaGoswami_ highlighted Singh’s gym activities, sparking widespread debate and calls for greater transparency in the bureaucratic selection process.
In response to the allegations, Abhishek Singh has been vocal on social media, particularly on X. He claims that the backlash is politically motivated, stemming from his support for reservation policies.
He has emphasized his journey from a humble background to becoming an IAS officer, highlighting his hard work and perseverance. He denies any undue advantage from his father, a promoted IPS officer, and asserts that he is the only member of his extended family to clear the UPSC exam.
He has also voiced his intention to advocate for reservations in government jobs based on population proportions. He argues that this approach would ensure a fair distribution of government resources and opportunities.
Singh’s supporters have rallied behind him, viewing the allegations as an attack on his pro-reservation stance and his efforts to promote social justice through initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement.
The controversy surrounding Singh is paralleled by similar allegations against trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar. She is accused of using fake disability and OBC certificates to secure her position, has failed to appear for mandatory medical tests at AIIMS Delhi.
Instead, she has submitted certificates from a private hospital, further raising suspicions about the authenticity of her claims.
A panel led by DoPT additional secretary Manoj Dwivedi is currently investigating Khedkar’s case. If found guilty, she could face termination and criminal charges. This has intensified calls for stricter verification procedures within the UPSC selection process to prevent such abuses.
These high-profile cases have ignited a broader debate on the transparency and accountability of the UPSC selection process.
There is growing concern that the misuse of disability certificates undermines the integrity of the civil services and disadvantages genuinely disabled candidates.
Social media users and public figures have called for more stringent measures to verify the claims of candidates applying under various quotas.
Abhishek Singh’s assertion that he is being targeted for his pro-reservation stance has resonated with many. He argues that anti-reservationists are using these allegations to discredit him and silence his advocacy for more inclusive policies.