Bhopal, July 11, 2026

A high-level inquiry into the alleged misuse of the disability reservation quota in Madhya Pradesh's higher education sector has reportedly found that several assistant professors appointed under the reserved category did not meet the prescribed benchmark disability during fresh medical examinations. The confidential inquiry report has now been submitted to the state government, paving the way for disciplinary action and possible criminal cases wherever fraud is established.

The inquiry was launched jointly by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Higher Education Department, after complaints that appointments in government colleges had been secured using allegedly fraudulent disability certificates. Candidates whose medical records were considered doubtful were directed to undergo fresh examinations before a Special Medical Board.

The re-medical examinations were conducted by a three-member committee constituted at Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior. The panel comprised Dr Rashmi Kujoor, Dr Manish Bairagi and Dr Rajendra Kumar Tehariya, representing ophthalmology, orthopaedics and ENT specialities, respectively. After completing the examinations, the committee submitted its findings to the state government.

According to the inquiry, candidates from districts including Gwalior, Morena, Guna and Shivpuri were among those re-examined. In several cases, the medical board reportedly found that the disability claimed at the time of appointment either no longer existed or did not meet the minimum 40 per cent benchmark disability prescribed for reservation under the applicable rules.

The inquiry has also raised concerns over the functioning of certain district medical boards. Investigators have reportedly found discrepancies in medical records and documentation used while issuing disability certificates. In some instances, original medical documents, including X-ray films, were unavailable during verification, prompting further scrutiny into the certification process.

Officials said many of the appointments under examination were made through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) recruitment process in 2019. According to the inquiry report, some employees continued in service for nearly six years despite repeated notices for fresh medical verification, while a few allegedly failed to appear before the review medical board even after departmental reminders.

Madhya Pradesh Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Dr Ajay Khemariya, said his office has received around 300 complaints alleging irregular appointments made under the disability quota in different government departments. He said the current inquiry relates to the higher education sector, while complaints involving other departments are also being examined.

"Wherever appointments are found to have been secured through fraudulent disability certificates, criminal cases will be registered in accordance with the law. The objective is to protect the rights of genuine persons with disabilities and ensure that reservation benefits reach only the eligible beneficiaries," Dr Khemariya said.

The confidential inquiry report is now under examination by the state government. Officials are expected to review its recommendations before taking a final decision on disciplinary action, termination of service and criminal proceedings in cases where appointments are found to have been obtained through forged or fraudulent disability certificates.