This has sparked a debate over decorum and politicians-bureaucrats equations. The trigger is a viral video of her welcoming BJP leader Satish Poonia. In the video, Dabi, an IAS officer, bows five times in seven seconds as she greets the former Rajasthan BJP state president.
It begins with a convoy of white SUVs screeching to a halt. Suddenly, a security guard opens the door to Poonia, who is busy on his cell phone. Dabi, who has just been posted as the District Collector of Barmer, rises to receive him. Poonia stayed stuck to his cell phone and bowed repeatedly to show her respect and regard.
“Thank you, thank you. Tina Dabi is doing a good job. She is getting the cleaning done, getting dustbins installed,” says Poonia, in the limelight rather frequently. He takes a quick glance at the people around him before remarking in jest, “Dadaigiri kar rahe ho “. Then, he continues, “Lekin achha kaam kar rahe ho. Barmer will also become like Indore. You are doing a fine job.”
While Poonia greets others present, Dabi still shows respect to her by folding her hands three more times in quick succession.
Tina Dabi, who dominated the headlines for her wedding with fellow IAS officer Pradeep Gawande earlier this year, has started an innovative initiative called “Navo Barmer,” which roughly translates to “New Barmer.” It deals with cleanliness campaigns for the city, using modern technology to aid them.
