IAS Tina Dabi Faces Backlash: From Social Media to Streets, Controversy Continues

Barmer District Collector Tina Dabi, one of Rajasthan’s most celebrated IAS officers, has recently come under intense public scrutiny. The controversy erupted after college students referred to her as a “Reel Star” during a protest against increased college fees. The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media and even on the streets, with trolls targeting the officer relentlessly.

The Incident

The controversy began when students protested against a hike in college fees. During the demonstration, they described Dabi not as a role model, but as a “Reel Star”, implying she seeks popularity through social media rather than focusing on administrative responsibilities. The situation escalated, leading to temporary detention of some students by the police. Following public outrage, the Barmer Superintendent of Police issued an apology, and Tina Dabi had to provide her own clarification.

Tina Dabi’s Response

Tina Dabi responded to the backlash by calling the “Reel Star” label an attempt to gain cheap popularity at her expense. She denied all accusations of misconduct, stating, “I have done nothing wrong; this controversy is being fueled by attempts to tarnish my reputation. Some students were protesting the fee hike, and the police acted to maintain order.”

She emphasized that the situation has since calmed down, adding that social media users have exaggerated the issue.

Public Questions and Criticism

Critics have also questioned Dabi’s engagement with local cleanliness efforts. A viral video shows students pointing out unclean streets near their college, asking why the collector, lauded for her cleanliness initiatives under the “Navo Barmer” campaign, does not address this area.

Awards and Allegations

Recently, Tina Dabi was honored by President Draupadi Murmu for her work in water conservation and public participation programs in Barmer. However, questions have been raised by MP Ummedaram Beniwal, who claimed in the Lok Sabha that Dabi presented compiled data from the past 4–5 years instead of actual work from the last year, allegedly to gain recognition and awards.

About Tina Dabi

Tina Dabi, a 2016-batch IAS officer, gained first rank in the UPSC civil services exam at the age of 22. Known for her innovative governance initiatives, she has been in the spotlight for her programs in public administration, water management, and cleanliness drives. Her “Navo Barmer” campaign recently drew considerable attention for its focus on sanitation and civic engagement.

Despite her accolades, the ongoing social media and public backlash illustrates the challenges high-profile officers face while balancing administrative responsibilities with public perception.