• Source:JND
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Amid an ongoing row over allegations of misuse of power and violation of rules of appointment by trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, questions are now being raised over another former bureaucrat Abhishek Singh’s selection under the disability criteria. Singh, an IAS officer of the 2011 batch, is accused of producing fake disability certificates to crack the prestigious UPSC exam. Singh who resigned last year to become an actor is facing massive criticism after his dance and gym videos went viral on social media. 

Netizens reacted to the videos shared by former IAS Abhishek Singh, calling for greater transparency in the bureaucratic selection process. Several X (formerly Twitter) users questioned his eligibility, citing the criteria for the PwBD-3 category, which includes conditions such as cerebral palsy, acid attack victims, leprosy-cured, dwarfism, and muscular dystrophy.

Responding to the allegations, the former bureaucrat said that he was being targeted for supporting reservations. Taking to X, Singh wrote, "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," he further added.

“I move on the strength of my talent, confidence, and courage, not in anyone's favour."

This came after 34-year-old Pooja Khedkar, an IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre batch of 2023 who obtained an All India Rank (AIR) of 841 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, stirred controversy by using her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate. She is also under the scanner for allegedly misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quota to secure a position in the IAS.

Following the reports alleging misuse of power, Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Washim earlier this week to complete her training after complaints about her conduct and demands for an in-depth probe into the circumstances of her recruitment.