New Delhi: Amid a huge row over the selection of controversial probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar under disability criteria, a senior bureaucrat has questioned the need for quotas for the specially-abled in the civil services.
Smita Sabharwal – member-secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission – 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 – earlier known as Twitter.
Ms 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.
“I haven’t seen bureaucrats criticising the misuse of the quota such as EWS/Non creamy layer or Disabilities and getting into the system but rather about doing away with a reservation that promotes diversity and inclusion. I don’t know how you telling about the number of years in service is relevant to your point. Thanks anyway,” Ms Chaturvedi said in another post.
“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.
“As a trustee of @ncpedp_india, we see thousands of innovative outcomes by people with disabilities, which is inspirational in many ways. NCPEDP was instrumental in getting disabled people in UPSC & we see them struggling daily due to lack of awareness. If given a universal ecosystem, persons with disabilities can contribute to the mainstream society on an equal basis. It’s time we educate ourselves rather than excluding 20 Crore Indians from contributing to a better India,” said NCPEDP Trustee Arvind Gupta.
Puja Khedkar, the 2023-batch trainee IAS officer made headlines a few weeks ago when Pune collector Suhas Diwase wrote to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, flagging several demands that she was not entitled to during her probation.
This complaint set in motion a chain of events that led to shocking revelations. Questions were raised over how she cleared the tough selection process for UPSC. She was found to have availed of concessions for physical disability and OBC candidacy though she was not eligible.
Her two-year training has now been put on hold, and her selection into the IAS is being probed by a panel formed by the Centre.
IAS Smita Sabharwal’s Disability Quota Remark Draws Massive Criticism
In recent times, a remark made by IAS officer Smita Sabharwal has sparked significant controversy and drawn widespread criticism. Sabharwal, known for her distinguished career and often hailed as a role model for many, made comments regarding the disability quota that many perceived as insensitive and discriminatory. This has not only led to public outrage but has also ignited a broader discussion about the treatment and perceptions of individuals with disabilities in India.
The Controversial Remark
During a public address, Sabharwal remarked that the disability quota in government jobs is often misused and that many individuals who do not deserve the benefits of this quota manage to secure positions, thereby undermining the system’s integrity. She suggested that there should be stricter checks and a more rigorous vetting process to ensure that only those genuinely deserving benefit from the quota.
Public Outrage and Response
The reaction to Sabharwal’s comments was swift and severe. Advocacy groups for disability rights, politicians, social activists, and the general public took to various platforms to express their disapproval. Many argued that her remarks were not only hurtful but also highlighted a deep-seated bias against individuals with disabilities.
Organizations such as the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and the Disability Rights Group (DRG) issued strong statements condemning her remarks. They argued that the quota system is a necessary measure to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, who often face significant barriers in education and employment.
Social Media Backlash
The backlash on social media was particularly intense. Hashtags like #DisabilityRights and #SmitaSabharwal trended on Twitter, with users sharing personal stories and experiences to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Many accused Sabharwal of being out of touch with the realities of living with a disability in India and called for her to issue a public apology.
Notable public figures, including politicians and celebrities, also weighed in on the controversy. Some defended the need for a robust disability quota system, emphasizing that it plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive society. Others criticized Sabharwal for making sweeping generalizations without acknowledging the systemic issues that often prevent the effective implementation of such quotas.
Political Reactions
Political leaders across the spectrum also responded to the controversy. Some opposition leaders seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling party, alleging that Sabharwal’s comments reflected a broader insensitivity within the government towards the needs and rights of disabled individuals. In contrast, some members of the ruling party defended her, suggesting that her comments were taken out of context and that she was merely advocating for a more efficient system.
Sabharwal’s Response
In the face of mounting criticism, Sabharwal issued a statement clarifying her remarks. She apologized if her comments had caused any hurt or offense and reiterated her commitment to the cause of disability rights. She explained that her intention was to highlight the need for a more effective system that ensures benefits reach the truly deserving, rather than being misused.
Broader Implications
This controversy has brought to the forefront several critical issues related to disability rights in India. It has underscored the need for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of ensuring that policies intended to support them are implemented effectively.
Moreover, it has highlighted the ongoing stigma and discrimination that individuals with disabilities often face. Many advocates have called for greater sensitivity training for public officials and a more inclusive approach to policy-making that involves individuals with disabilities in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
The backlash against IAS Smita Sabharwal’s remarks on the disability quota serves as a stark reminder of the deeply entrenched biases that still exist in society. While her comments may have been intended to spark a discussion on improving the quota system, they have instead illuminated the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards the rights and challenges of individuals with disabilities. As the conversation continues, it is crucial that the focus remains on creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
