The General Administration Department (GAD) sent the proposal to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on December 12. Signed by Additional Secretary Farheen Khan, the document refers to complaints received from various organisations and states that Verma’s remarks led to social tension. However, it does not clearly spell out whether the state is seeking his dismissal from service or only the denial or cancellation of promotion.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Sharad Chandra Behar said the proposal suffers from serious procedural shortcomings. “The grounds for dismissal have not been clearly mentioned. The proposal only notes public objections and social unrest. Moreover, the government’s intent is ambiguous—dismissal and promotion denial are governed by entirely different rules and require different standards of proof,” he said.
The ambiguity is significant because dismissal of an IAS officer requires a detailed charge sheet, disciplinary inquiry and strong legal justification, while promotion-related action follows a separate administrative process. Experts caution that without a clear recommendation, the DoPT is likely to seek clarification or return the file.
Santosh Verma, a senior officer who was recently elected provincial president of the AJAKX organisation, has been at the centre of controversy since his remarks surfaced publicly, triggering protests and memorandums from multiple social groups.
Several organisations, including the Ministry Officer Employee Service Association, the All India Brahmin Society and the Brahmin Regiment, have welcomed the forwarding of the proposal but remain dissatisfied. Representatives said the step should be seen as the beginning, not the conclusion, of the process.
With the Centre yet to respond, the episode underscores the administrative and legal complexities involved in disciplinary action against All India Services officers, even amid sustained public pressure.
