'Enlightenment, Diversity Badly Needed': IAS Smita Sabharwal's Disability Quota Remark Draws Ire

New Delhi: Disability rights activists have strongly criticized IAS officer Smita Sabharwal for her comments on the "misuse and review" of the disability quota in the UPSC exams. For the unversed, the controversy has erupted following allegations against IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of exploiting the disability and Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) quotas to secure her position in the civil 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.  

What Smita Sabharwal Said?

Further fuelling the debate, Smita Sabharwal, member-secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, stated that the job's demands, especially the need for extensive groundwork, pose significant challenges for individuals 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 (formerly Twitter). 

Sabharwal Under Fire 

Her statements drew a swift backlash from various quarters. Responding to Sabharwal, disability rights activist Dr. Satendra Singh said, "Dear @SmitaSabharwal ji, yes, there are many surgeons with disabilities even in India. In fields like urology, gastro surgery, and plastic surgery. So, when you next see a person with a disability, presume COMPETENCE!!" 

Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, highlighting notable figures with disabilities, posted on X, "Madam @SmitaSabharwal sure would know about Maj Gen Ian Cardozo AVSM SM, first war-disabled officer of @adgpi to command a battalion; KRS Jamwal, ED Tata Industries, acclaimed oncologist Dr. Suresh Advani, both wheelchair-bound. Tragedy is when the ability is viewed through the narrow lens!" 

Prominent lawyer Karuna Nundy remarked, "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."

 Defending her stand, Sabharwal said the All India Services (AIS) have different demands compared to other central services and that talented differently-abled people can find other great opportunities. "...I am fundamentally aware of the needs of the job. The issue here is about the suitability for a ground job. Also I firmly believe other Services within the government such as desk/think-tank nature is well suited. Please don't jump to conclusions. Legal framework is for overall protection of the rights of equality. No debate there." 

Puja Khedkar Case

Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch trainee IAS officer, recently grabbed headlines after Pune collector Suhas Diwase wrote to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, highlighting several demands she made during her probation that she was not entitled to. That complaint triggered a series of events, leading to startling revelations.

It was found that Khedkar had cleared the rigorous UPSC selection process by falsely claiming concessions for physical disability and OBC status, for which she was ineligible. As a result, her two-year training has been suspended, and a panel formed by the Centre is investigating her selection into the IAS.