Parliamentary Panel Questions SC-ST Representation in MP, DGP Fails to Provide Numbers

---

Bhopal News | Administrative Scrutiny:
A central parliamentary committee for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) held a meeting in Bhopal on Thursday, raising several questions about representation and reservations in government positions. During the session, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Madhya Pradesh was unable to provide a concrete answer when asked how many SC and ST officers are serving in the state police.

Questions on SC-ST Collectors and SPs

The committee members also inquired about the number of collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) from reserved categories, including women officers. In response, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Ashok Varnwal stated:

• 11 Collectors belong to the SC category.
• 6 Collectors belong to the ST category.
• There are also two to three commissioners from reserved categories.

Committee Members Express Frustration

During media interactions, MP and committee member Chandrashekhar Ravan pressed for details on direct appointments versus promotions of SC-ST officers. ACS Varnwal responded that such distinctions are not tracked at the time of postings, and there is no discrimination. This explanation reportedly angered Ravan, who commented that the officials were offering “diplomatic answers” instead of clear data.

Focus on SC-ST Issues

The committee, chaired by MP Faggan Singh Kulaste, also raised concerns about:

• Alleged irregularities and misconduct in government offices, including the so-called “urination and spitting incidents.”
• Outsourced recruitment, questioning why SC-ST reservation is not applied in such appointments. Officials replied that current regulations do not provide for it.

Officials Struggle to Provide Data

The meeting lasted over two hours, involving senior officials and MPs from various states. Despite repeated questions, the DGP could not provide details regarding SC-ST officers in the police force, highlighting gaps in monitoring and transparency for reserved category representation in Madhya Pradesh.

This parliamentary scrutiny underscores persistent concerns about SC-ST representation and the need for better administrative record-keeping and accountability in state government departments.