Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has recommended to the central government the dismissal of IAS officer Santosh Verma, following a series of controversial remarks that have sparked nationwide outrage. Verma, who serves as the state president of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes Officers and Employees Association, has also been removed from his position as deputy secretary of the Agriculture Department and attached to the General Administration Department (GDA) without any departmental responsibilities, the state government said on Thursday.

The move comes after Verma, speaking at the AJAKS state-level convention in Bhopal on November 23, made inflammatory statements suggesting that Brahmins should “donate their daughters” to his son to gain reservation rights. A video of the statement circulated widely on social media, igniting anger among the Brahmin community and prompting demands for immediate government action.

Following the remarks, 65 Brahmin organizations announced plans to protest on December 14 at the chief minister’s residence. They also warned that if the government failed to act, a statewide shutdown could be organized. The controversy was further inflamed when Verma, at another event, claimed that the High Court was “preventing ST category children from becoming civil judges” and demanded constitutional compliance guarantees from the judiciary. Video clips of these comments added fuel to the growing public outrage.

In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed the GAD to take strict action against Verma. The state government stated that Verma had allegedly fabricated and forged a promotion order from the State Administrative Service to the Indian Administrative Service, with criminal cases pending in various courts. An official statement noted that a departmental inquiry regarding the integrity certificate obtained through forged documents was in its final stages, and Verma’s response to the show-cause notice in the current case was deemed unsatisfactory.

The government emphasized that Verma had consistently issued “indecent statements,” prompting the decision to issue a formal charge sheet. While the Madhya Pradesh administration has the authority to suspend IAS officers, dismissal powers rest with the central government and take effect only after approval from the President. The recommendation for dismissal has therefore been forwarded for central government consideration.

The GDA has confirmed that a charge sheet will be issued against Verma, highlighting the state’s commitment to upholding administrative integrity and addressing public concerns. The ongoing controversy has drawn attention to the conduct of civil servants and the need for strict adherence to ethical and legal norms within government service.

Verma’s remarks have not only triggered protests but also raised broader questions about the accountability of bureaucrats in India and the mechanisms in place to ensure responsible public conduct. The state government’s decisive action, including the removal from his current post, charge-sheet issuance, and recommendation for dismissal, reflects an attempt to balance administrative propriety with legal procedures, while addressing growing public pressure.

The central government will now review the dismissal recommendation, with the President’s approval required to finalize the decision. Until then, Verma remains attached to the GDA without specific duties. Authorities have indicated that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for disciplinary action against officials engaging in provocative or unethical behavior, highlighting the delicate balance between free speech and professional accountability in India’s civil service.