Debate Over Disability Quota in Civil Services Intensifies Amidst Controversy
A recent controversy surrounding IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s induction into the UPSC services has sparked a heated debate over the necessity of reservations for the specially-abled in civil services, with senior bureaucrat Smitha Sabharwal questioning the relevance of such quotas.
Smitha Sabharwal, Member-Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, ignited the discussion with a tweet questioning the need for disability reservations in the All India Services (IAS/IPS/IFoS). She argued that the rigorous demands of these services, including extensive fieldwork and long hours, necessitate physical fitness, prompting a wave of reactions on social media.
Sabharwal’s comments drew sharp criticism from Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who labeled her views as “pathetic and exclusionary.” Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in bureaucracy, contrasting Sabharwal’s stance with the broader need for representation and equal opportunity.
In response, Sabharwal defended her position, citing her extensive 24-year career and stressing that her concern stems from the unique demands placed on All India Services compared to other sectors. She called for a deeper examination of why similar quotas are not implemented in sectors like IPS, IFoS, and defense.
The controversy underscores ongoing challenges and perceptions regarding disability inclusivity in India’s administrative services. It also highlights broader societal debates on the balance between meritocracy and affirmative action in professional fields, particularly those critical to governance and public service.
As discussions continue to unfold, stakeholders and rights activists are expected to weigh in on the implications of such remarks, advocating for policies that uphold both merit-based selection and inclusive representation within civil services.
