IAS Officer faces backlash over reservations and Inter-Caste marriage remark

Santosh Verma, a newly promoted IAS officer and head of the Scheduled Caste and Tribe employees’ group in Madhya Pradesh, is facing intense criticism over his recent remarks linking caste-based reservations with inter-caste marriages. During a meeting, Verma suggested that reservation protections should continue only until society begins to form inter-caste relationships, which he said would eventually eliminate caste discrimination. The comment quickly drew national backlash, with critics calling it divisive, insensitive, and misogynistic.

The controversy triggered protests in Gwalior, where demonstrators demanded Verma’s suspension and the registration of an FIR against him under sections related to promoting social disharmony and enmity. Social activists, women’s groups, and several Dalit organizations accused him of undermining the constitutional purpose of reservations and imposing regressive views on marriage and caste dynamics.

Santosh Verma, who was recently promoted to IAS from the State Administrative Service, is known for being an active representative of SC/ST government employees. However, his past has also been marked by controversy, including his 2021 arrest in a forgery case, which now adds to the growing public scrutiny of his conduct as an officer.

In response to the outrage, Verma issued a video apology, saying his remarks were not intended to offend any community and that he spoke from a broader social perspective as a Hindu. Despite his apology, several organizations and political groups continue to demand a formal inquiry and disciplinary action, asserting that a senior officer must act responsibly and respect constitutional values.

The state administration has acknowledged the matter, and further action is expected after reviewing the complaint and his explanation.