Senior bureaucrat Smita Sabharwal has ignited a heated debate by questioning the necessity of disability quotas in civil services. Her comments come in the wake of controversy surrounding the selection of a probationary IAS officer under disability criteria. Her comments come on the heels of the ongoing controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer selected under the disability quota.
The Quota Debate
In a post on social media, Smita Sabharwal raised a thought-provoking question: “Does an airline hire a pilot with a disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability?” She emphasized the physically demanding nature of All India Services (IAS/IPS/IFoS) roles, which involve fieldwork, long hours, and direct interaction with people’s grievances.
Backlash and Responses Against Smita Sabharwal
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi swiftly responded to Smita Sabharwal’s tweet, calling her view “pathetic” and exclusionary. Chaturvedi highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that bureaucrats should focus on addressing misuse rather than eliminating reservations.
Smita Sabharwal defended her stance, asserting that her concern stems from her 24-year career experience. She clarified that while the AIS demands physical fitness, talented disabled individuals can still find opportunities within the services.
Puja Khedkar’s Case
The controversy intensified due to the selection of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who secured an All India rank of 821 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. Khedkar faced allegations of misusing her authority and was subsequently transferred from Pune to the Washim district of Maharashtra.
Disability rights activists have joined the discussion, advocating for a nuanced approach that balances meritocracy and inclusivity. The debate continues, with stakeholders grappling over the role of disability quotas in shaping India’s civil services.
The controversy surrounding Smita Sabharwal’s comments underscores the ongoing debate about disability rights and inclusion in India. While some advocate for stricter enforcement of quotas, others call for a more targeted approach that considers the specific demands of different job role.
