Lucknow: A controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh after a question in the written examination for Sub-Inspector (Civil Police) and equivalent posts allegedly used the word “Pandit” in a manner that many political leaders and Brahmin social groups considered derogatory. The examination, conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) on March 14, triggered widespread criticism and prompted the State government to issue strict directions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to reports, the disputed question asked candidates to identify a term for “a person who changes according to circumstances.” The options provided were “Pandit” (scholar), “Avsarvadi” (opportunist), “Nishkapat” (innocent or sincere), and “Sadachari” (virtuous). The inclusion of “Pandit” among the options drew immediate backlash, as the term commonly refers to a scholar but is also widely used to denote members of the Brahmin community.
Political parties and social organisations criticised the question, alleging that it portrayed the Brahmin community in a negative light. Pramod Tiwari, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and a senior Congress leader, condemned the question and described it as inappropriate. He stated that the word “Pandit” is generally associated with Brahmins and that any derogatory reference to a caste, community, religion, or tradition should not be tolerated in a civilised society. He added that such content appearing in an official recruitment examination raised serious concerns about the mindset behind the paper-setting process.
Brahmin social groups also expressed strong displeasure. Mahesh Pandey, associated with the Sarv Brahmin Ekta Sabha, alleged that the incident could not be dismissed as an accident. He claimed that the inclusion of such an option appeared to be part of a deliberate attempt to provoke divisions and disturb social harmony. He further remarked that it was shocking that a government examination would include content that could be perceived as defaming a particular community.
As criticism intensified, senior leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the State government responded swiftly. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that the government strongly objected to the answer options provided in the examination question. He said that the government had taken serious note of the matter and emphasised that any content that undermines the dignity of any community or group is completely unacceptable.
The growing controversy prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to intervene and issue clear instructions to recruitment authorities. In an official statement released by the Uttar Pradesh government, the Chief Minister directed all recruitment board chairpersons to ensure that no question or reference in examination papers contains remarks that could be considered disrespectful or derogatory towards any individual, caste, sect, or religious community.
The Chief Minister further instructed that all paper setters should be clearly informed about these guidelines. He also directed that individuals responsible for repeatedly preparing such objectionable questions should be immediately blacklisted. Additionally, he emphasised that these provisions should be formally incorporated into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with paper setters to ensure strict compliance in the future.
The ruling BJP also condemned the incident and warned against attempts to create social divisions. Pushkar Mishra, a senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh, described the use of caste-based slurs as extremely condemnable. He stated that using caste as a form of abuse is a direct attack on the country’s social harmony and a dangerous attempt to create discord in society.
Mishra added that those responsible for such divisive actions would be identified and dealt with strictly under the law. He emphasised that no one would be allowed to play with the emotions of any community or undermine the unity of the nation.
