Thiruvananthapuram: The Centre has recommended disciplinary action against Asif K Yusuf (IAS:2016:KL) after finding that the Other Backward Class (OBC) certificate submitted by the Kerala cadre IAS officer was not valid. The recommendation was made by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which has asked the Kerala Government to initiate action under the relevant provisions of the Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rulesand the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
The development comes amid allegations that the officer had submitted incorrect certificates to avail reservation benefits under the OBC category during the civil services selection process.
DoPT Writes to Kerala Chief Secretary
In a communication addressed to the Chief Secretary of Kerala, the DoPT stated that both the OBC certificate and the income certificate issued in favour of Asif K Yusuf by the Tahsildar of Kanayanur Taluk Office were found to be “erroneous and incorrect.”
The Centre has directed the state government to initiate appropriate action against the officer in accordance with the applicable service rules governing IAS officers.
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Income Certificate Cancelled
According to the DoPT’s letter, the officer’s income certificate has already been cancelled following scrutiny.
The communication further noted that Asif K Yusuf’s IAS service has not yet been confirmed, as his vigilance clearance from the Government of Kerala is still pending. In view of these developments, the Centre has sought immediate action under the provisions of the IAS (Probation) Rules and the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
Allegations of Availing OBC Reservation
The case stems from allegations that the officer, while serving as a Sub Collector, had submitted incorrect income-related documents to claim reservation benefits under the OBC category.
Following verification, the Centre concluded that the certificates submitted by the officer were invalid and communicated its findings to the Kerala Government for further action.
Disciplinary Proceedings Recommended
The DoPT has recommended that the Kerala Government examine the matter and initiate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the rules governing members of the Indian Administrative Service.
The final course of action will now depend on the Kerala Government’s response and any subsequent proceedings initiated under the applicable service rules.
