Amid backlash from certain members of the Indian bureaucracy over the issue of disability quota, a controversy that was raked up over the UPSC selection of Puja Khedkar, a senior IAS officer has questioned the need for quotas for the specially-abled in the civil services, further adding fuel to the debate.
Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, Smita Sabharwal, said the demands of the job for ground work make the job difficult for those with disabilities.
“With all due respect to the Differently Abled. Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability. The nature of the #AIS ( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to people’s grievances-which requires physical fitness. Why does this premier service need this Quota in the first place!,” Smita Sabharwal posted on X.
Meanwhile, India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, in a post on X, expressed concern over alleged fraudulent activities related to disability reservations in the UPSC, suggesting a review of these quotas. His statement further fuelled the debate.
“All such cases must be fully investigated and the sternest action taken. Selection on basis of competence and integrity should never get compromised,” he posted on Saturday.
“I am in favour of SC/ST or OBC reservation. These reservations should continue, with the creamy layer regulations being enforced. However, the existing reservations for the physically & mentally handicapped and the proposed 1% reservation for the third gender for the top civil services need to be reviewed. They are being misused,” added Kant, a former CEO of the Niti Aayog.
Sabharwal’s post drew sharp responses with many calling it “flawed logic” and ignorant.
“This is such a pathetic and exclusionary view to have. Interesting to see how bureaucrats are showing their limited thoughts and their privilege too,” Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said.
“Amazed that an IAS officer would be so fundamentally ignorant about disability. Most disabilities have no impact on stamina. Or intelligence. But this tweet shows enlightenment and diversity are badly needed,” said senior Supreme Court Advocate Karuna Nandy.
The controversy has erupted in the wake of allegations of misconduct against IAS probationer Puja Khedkar who is accused of misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) quotas to secure her candidature in the civic services exam.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has registered a police case against Khedkar for allegedly fraudulently availing attempts in the civil services examination by faking her identity to take the exam beyond permissible attempts.