‘Caste identity is the need of the hour’:Female IAS officer’s remark at AJAKS meet in Bhopal sparks fresh row; officers’ body raises concern

Another controversy linked to the AJAKS conference held in Bhopal has surfaced. This time, a statement by woman IAS officer Meenakshi Singh has drawn attention. Her video from the event is widely circulating on social media. The conference was held on 23 November at Ambedkar Park, Bhopal.Several statements made there are now raising questions about bureaucratic conduct and neutrality. ‘Caste identity is today’s biggest issue’ In the viral video, IAS Meenakshi Singh calls caste identity and caste-based thinking the “biggest demand of today’s time”.She says that the family plays the first and most important role in shaping society. She adds that children should be told clearly about their caste and tribal identity. Call to support one’s own community Singh says discrimination by upper castes still exists. Because of this, she believes people should recognise and support members of their own community. She urges people from the tribal community not to hesitate while approaching senior officers. She also encourages them to speak openly about their problems. Another IAS officer’s video goes viral A separate video from the same AJAKS conference has also emerged. It features IAS Santosh Verma, who is seen addressing people from his community. In the video, Verma asks them to become “Mai ka Lal” once again, meaning strong protectors of their community. Reference to 2016 movement Verma says there is a need to show the same strength that was displayed in 2016. He does not explain the reference in detail in the video. Earlier too, Verma has been in the news for controversial remarks. These included comments related to the High Court and daughters of the Brahmin community. Officers’ association objects strongly The statements have drawn criticism from within government circles. Sudhir Nayak, President of the Ministry Officers-Employees Service Association, has strongly objected to the remarks. He said IAS officers take an oath to uphold the Constitution. This oath requires them to treat all citizens equally, beyond caste, religion, or class. ‘Caste-based thinking is dangerous’ Nayak described the remarks as unconstitutional. He warned that working on the basis of caste within the bureaucracy is extremely dangerous. He said such thinking threatens the impartial nature of the administrative system.