Newly recruited constables seen with ‘SC’, ‘ST’ and ‘O’ for OBC markings

A controversy has erupted after pictures of newly recruited male constables with markings ‘SC’ and ‘ST’ and ‘O’ for OBC on their chests in Madhya Pradesh’ Dhar district. The pictures have triggered allegations of caste-based discrimination as the markings identified the classes the constables belonged to. District officials reportedly said the initials were put on their chests to avoid a mix-up of different categories as they have different selection norms under the reservation policy. A probe has reportedly been ordered into the matter.