Controversy Over Disability Quota: Remarks of IAS Officer

Senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal sparks controversy by questioning disability quotas in civil services, citing job demands. Her comments draw criticism from politicians and activists, reigniting debate on inclusivity in Indian bureaucracy amid an ongoing investigation into a trainee officer.

A recent controversy that triggered a heated discussion relates to the recent statement of the senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal who doubted the efficacy of the quotas for the disabled in the civil services. Sabharwal, who is a Telangana Finance Commission’s member-secretary, said such work load and physical tests that are involved in IAS job are not suitable for the disabled persons.

In a post on a social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sabharwal compared ASOs to other professions and asked, “Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability. ” Sabharwal asserted that All India Services call for field work, long working hours and direct interaction with the public, which requires fitness.

The comments have been criticized as politically incorrect and insensitive by politicians, advocates, and disabled individuals. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena said that Sabharwal’s statement was pathetic and exclusionary and SC Advocate Karuna Nandy was equally surprised about how much Sabharwal was unaware of disability.

Arvind Gupta, a trustee of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), highlighted how disabled people applied their creativity and underscored how there is a need for a systematic environment that allows them to be productive members of society.

The controversy arises at a time when the state is probing into an alleged case of impersonation against a 2023-batch trainee IAS officer, Puja Khedkar who was selected under disability quota. Charges against Khedkar have stirred concerns on the credibility of UPSC examinations, and therefore, the need for a thorough investigation on the matter.

Also Read: UPSC Alleges that the Selection of Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar be Cancelled

While the controversy persists, it is equally important to note that Sabharwal’s remarks underscore the importance of raising consciousness of bureaucracy in India and the importance of employing women. The case has prompted new debates over the issues of diversity, equal opportunities, and quotas for women in the Indian civil services.