Data shows low representation of the community, opposition alleges marginalisation
LUCKNOW — A debate has emerged in Uttar Pradesh following recent transfers of senior bureaucrats, with concerns raised over the limited presence of Muslim officers in key administrative roles.
The issue comes after the government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath transferred 64 IAS and several IPS officials. Observers say that despite the reshuffle, Muslim officers appear to have been given fewer high-profile postings.
According to available data, the number of Muslim officials in the state’s bureaucracy is already low. Out of around 542 IAS officers, only a small number belong to the Muslim community. The representation among IPS officers is also limited.
Among IAS officers, Kamran Rizvi and Mannan Akhtar are currently on central deputation. Senior officer Masoom Ali Sarwar is serving as Secretary in the Planning Department and also holds additional responsibility as CEO of the state Sunni Waqf Board.
Other officers, such as Zaheer Bin Sageer, are posted as Special Secretary, while Junaid Ahmad and Shahid Ahmadi are serving as Chief Development Officers in Jhansi and Shravasti, respectively. However, reports suggest that no Muslim IAS officer is currently posted as District Magistrate or Divisional Commissioner.
In the police services, officers, including Mohammad Mushtaq (Superintendent of Police in Lalitpur), Qasim Abidi (Deputy Commissioner in Kanpur) and Syed Ali Abbas (Deputy Commissioner in Agra) are holding positions, though many are seen as mid-level roles.
Several other officers are posted in departments such as PAC, special branch, technical units and headquarters roles.
The matter has drawn political reactions. Samajwadi Party leader Salahuddin Mohsin said, “There may not be a written rule, but there has been a tradition of giving representation to all sections based on population. That balance now appears to be missing.”
Former Director General of Police O P Singh offered a different view. “There is no formal provision for appointments based on religion. However, earlier there was an informal effort to maintain balance among different communities,” he said.
Government sources have not issued a detailed response to the specific allegations but maintain that postings are made based on administrative requirements.
The discussion has once again highlighted broader questions about representation, diversity and fairness in public administration, especially in a state as large and complex as Uttar Pradesh.
