Chhattisgarh government under scrutiny amid allegations of fake disability certificates in jobs

The Chhattisgarh government faces growing backlash from the Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) community, accusing it of failing to address the misuse of disability quotas in public service appointments.

- SHISHIR ROY CHOWDHURY

The Chhattisgarh Divyangjan Association has alleged that 127 government officers secured jobs using fake disability certificates. The association has submitted a detailed list to authorities, but no investigation has been initiated, raising serious questions about the state's commitment to justice and accountability.

One of the most high-profile cases involves Sanjay Kumar Markam, a Deputy Collector currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal. Markam's appointment under the disability quota is based on his claim of being hearing impaired. However, Radhakrishna Gopal, Vice President of Chhattisgarh Divyang Seva Sangh, told The Statesman: "We have filed complaints against Markam through multiple channels, but no investigation has been conducted so far. It appears he enjoys the patronage of influential individuals."