The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken serious note of a leaked audio clip allegedly featuring 2012-batch IAS officer V.S. Alagu Varshini, in which she is purportedly heard making caste-insensitive remarks regarding Scheduled Caste (SC) students at a Telangana residential school.
In a letter dated May 31, addressed to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Telangana, the Commission cited the clip under the subject, “Derogatory remarks against SC Gurukula students by A Varshini.” The NCSC has directed the state authorities to submit an action-taken report (ATR) within 15 days of receiving the notice.
Although the Commission issued the notice last week, the controversy gained traction on Monday after media outlets began widely reporting on the contents of the audio.
Backlash Over Reported Comments
In the audio, Ms. Varshini—currently serving as Secretary of the Telangana Residential Educational Institutions Society (TREIS)—allegedly defends the practice of students cleaning their own rooms and toilets, and participating in kitchen duties.
“They must clean their rooms. If a sweeper can do it once, why can’t the students do it other times?” she reportedly said.
“Similarly, why can’t they clean their toilets? What’s wrong with it?”
She also suggested incorporating ‘shram daan’ (voluntary labor) into the school curriculum as a form of life education, warning that parents who object to such activities would receive show-cause notices.
Secret Recording Raises Ethical Concerns
The remarks were reportedly made during a private meeting with school staff and were secretly recorded by an unidentified person. The audio was subsequently leaked, sparking widespread outrage. While the authenticity of the clip is yet to be officially confirmed, the content has prompted strong reactions from civil society groups and SC rights activists.
NCSC’s Intervention Amid Rising Discontent
The NCSC’s move follows mounting criticism over the alleged discrimination against SC students in government-run educational institutions, particularly residential schools. Activists have condemned the purported comments, stating that such practices reinforce caste-based discrimination and violate constitutional principles of equality.
The Commission has warned that failure to comply with the directive may result in further proceedings under constitutional safeguards meant to protect Scheduled Castes.
No Official Statement Yet
As of now, the Telangana government has not issued any official response regarding the leaked audio or the NCSC notice. Attempts to reach IAS officer Alagu Varshini for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
