Srushti Deshmukh and Nagarjun Gowda, one of India’s most popular IAS couples, have recently come under public scrutiny over a mining penalty controversy in Madhya Pradesh. Both officers are known for their service, social media presence, and motivational work among UPSC aspirants.
While they inspire millions with their success story, the latest allegations have sparked debates on transparency and accountability in administration.
Who Are Srushti Deshmukh and Nagarjun Gowda?
Srushti Deshmukh cleared the UPSC exam in 2018, securing AIR 5 at the age of 23 on her first attempt. Nagarjun Gowda also cleared the same exam in 2018, ranking 418th. They both trained at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). The couple married on April 24, 2022, and now serve together in Madhya Pradesh.
Srushti Deshmukh is currently the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district. Nagarjun Gowda, originally from Karnataka, was shifted to Madhya Pradesh and serves as an IAS officer in the state. The couple enjoys a large following on social media, with Srushti having 2.4 million Instagram followers and Nagarjun 409k. They often share glimpses of their personal and professional lives.
Educational Background and Early Career
Srushti Deshmukh hails from Bhopal and studied Chemical Engineering. She began her UPSC preparation while in college. Her parents, Jayant and Sunita Deshmukh, are an engineer and a teacher, respectively. Nagarjun Gowda studied medicine (MBBS) and initially aspired to be a doctor, but later joined the civil services.
After joining the IAS, Srushti was first posted as an Assistant Collector in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh. Nagarjun initially served in Karnataka but was later transferred to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Together, they are seen as a young, inspiring couple dedicated to public service.
What is the Mining Penalty Controversy?
The controversy started when RTI activist Anand Jat accused Nagarjun Gowda of drastically reducing a ₹51.67 crore mining penalty against Path India Company. The company allegedly conducted unauthorized excavation of 3.11 lakh cubic meters of murrum soil in Harda district’s Andherikheda village for the Indore–Betul National Highway project.
A notice imposing a penalty of ₹51.67 crore was initially issued by then-ADM Praveen Phoolpagar. After his transfer, Dr. Gowda reportedly revised the penalty, reducing it to ₹4,032. Official records later stated the actual excavation was only 2,688 cubic meters. Jat called the reduction “unprecedented and suspicious,” prompting online outrage and discussions about administrative transparency.
Public Reaction and Debate
The case has sparked debates on social media, especially among UPSC aspirants. Some defend Dr. Gowda, claiming the revision was based on corrected data, while others demand an independent inquiry. Known for motivational talks and transparency campaigns, Gowda’s reputation as a young, ethical officer has made the controversy more high-profile.
