MP disability quota scam exposes shocking irregularities:Visually impaired clerk drives car while working at minister’s official residence

An investigation by Dainik Bhaskar into alleged misuse of the disability quota in Madhya Pradesh has uncovered cases where government employees reportedly secured jobs and reservation benefits using questionable disability certificates despite appearing physically fit in everyday life. The investigation identified three such cases, including a clerk recruited under the visually impaired category who was seen driving a car, and teachers classified as physically disabled who were found moving normally and actively participating in public events. One of the employees currently serves in the staff of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rakesh Singh. Complaints regarding his disability status had allegedly been raised earlier, but no action was taken. Two months ago, the Social Welfare Department ordered verification of disability certificates of employees appointed under the disability quota. However, no major action has been reported so far. Officials in the department claim that nearly 80% of employees recruited under the disability quota in Madhya Pradesh may have obtained jobs using fake or questionable certificates. Read the report… Case 1: Minister’s ‘blind clerk’ seen driving car The most shocking case emerged from Bhopal. Alkesh Khakre, posted as Assistant Grade-III in the General Administration Department, has been serving in government service for the past 11 years. He was recruited in 2014 through direct recruitment under the visually impaired quota. For the past four years, he has been posted on deputation at the official residence of PWD Minister Rakesh Singh. Investigation findings Under official rules, a person with more than 40% visual impairment is generally unable to perform routine activities independently without assistance. However, the investigation reportedly found a different reality. A surveillance team observed Alkesh Khakre leaving his government residence in Tulsi Nagar while driving his own car. He reportedly drove through Shivaji Nagar to Durga Petrol Pump Square and later reached Minister Bungalow B-10 at Char Imli. After arriving, he walked to the first-floor office and carried out clerical duties throughout the day. Sources claimed that complaints had previously been made against him, but due to political influence, the files never moved forward. Eye specialist raises questions Senior eye specialist Dr. Rahul Agrawal stated that a person with 40% visual impairment generally cannot perform routine visual tasks normally and often requires assistance. He said driving a car in such a condition would be difficult and potentially dangerous. He also recommended annual medical examinations for employees recruited under disability categories. Case 2: ‘Physically disabled’ teacher seen riding motorcycle and creating social media reels The second case surfaced in Niwari district. Teacher Rakesh Tiwari, posted at Primary School Byata Ward No. 14, is officially listed as orthopedically disabled. His 2023–24 disability certificate categorises him as having 43% locomotor disability. According to medical standards, such a condition usually affects a person’s ability to walk or move normally using the legs. Reality appears different However, Rakesh Tiwari was reportedly seen walking normally, riding a motorcycle and creating social media reels. He was also observed moving actively during political rallies. According to the investigation, it was difficult to identify any visible physical limitation in his movements. Case 3: Teacher with 43% disability leading an active lifestyle Another similar case emerged from Niwari district involving government higher secondary school teacher Rohit Shukla. His disability certificate dated June 24, 2024 reportedly categorises him as having more than 40% disability. However, he regularly rides a motorcycle to school and performs routine activities like any other individual. He allegedly secured his government job under the disability quota. Expert opinion: Severe disability usually visible Former National Health Mission Director Dr. Pankaj Shukla explained that locomotor disability refers to impairment in bones, joints or muscles that restrict movement. According to him, a person with more than 40% locomotor disability generally cannot walk normally without support or difficulty, and such impairment is usually visible during routine observation. “If a person is walking normally and fully using the affected body part, the case becomes suspicious,” he said. He suggested that the government should conduct verification through divisional medical committees at the time of appointment. Officials promise investigation Niwari District Education Officer Unmesh Shrivastava said complaints regarding disability certificates of teachers had been received and would be investigated according to rules. Deputy Secretary of the General Administration Department Shailendra Singh stated that no formal complaint had yet been received regarding the visually impaired clerk, but assured that an inquiry would be conducted if the matter officially came forward. Social welfare department orders verification On March 6, the Social Justice Department wrote to the Health Department directing verification and re-examination of suspected fake disability certificates. However, even after two months, little visible action has been taken. Recently, labour inspector Navneet Kumar Pandey was dismissed from service after allegedly securing his job using a fake disability certificate. Indore Labour Commissioner Sandeep GR ordered his immediate removal from service along with recovery of salary and other benefits. Officials say the case is only one example among many similar cases across the state. Commissioner of the Disabled Welfare Department, Dr. Ajay Khemaria, said, I can officially say that nearly 80% of employees who obtained jobs using disability certificates in the state are ineligible.