HYDERABAD: In the midst of controversy over recruitment of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar under disability quota, senior Telangana IAS officer Smita Sabharwal has stirred a row by questioning the need for disability quotas in All India Services. Taking to X, Sabharwal said, “As this debate is blowing up — 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 #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 first place?” Her post garnered sharp reactions .
Bala Latha Mallavarapu, an ex-bureaucrat who trains civil service aspirants, condemned Sabharwal’s statement. Quoting Shakespeare, Mallavarapu said: “In nature there’s no blemish, but the mind. None can be called deformed but the unkind.
” Mallavarapu also questioned how she can make such comments despite being in a senior position. Mallavarapu further said, “You are in a responsible position. My first question is how can you make such statements? Whether to give reservation or not is government policy.
Secondly, in prime positions in administration, mental and intellectual fitness is more important than physical fitness. Thirdly, a civil servant should have compassion and empathy. I can’t see these qualities in her.
” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi posted, “This is such a pathetic and exclusionary view to have. Interesting to see how bureaucrats are showing their limited thoughts and privileges too.” Another X user, Sanju, shared a personal perspective: “Thanks to your understanding.
Locomotor disability doesn’t mean a person can’t move without any support. I’m a locomotor disabled and an amputee. I have travelled four countries alone.
I have travelled all south states. I r un abusiness, I drive, I swim, and Iwalk with crutches. And most modern day IAS and IPS are not into service.
They are treating themselves as kings and queens. They are enjoying luxurious life forgetting they are civil servants.” Sabharwal responded, “Hats off to you.
” There were others who supported Sabharwal. Vibhu Sharan Dixit posted on X: “That’s the point. Nothing against PWDs or other reserved categories but every job role requires a person who is competent enough to do it.
” X user PR Reddy posted, “Point to be noted, and has a merit in it. Similarly, why should we give SC/ST/BC reservations to children of IAS/ IPS/IFS/IFoS? If we don’t give them the reservation benefit, other more deserving would get into services. Lot of reforms are needed in reservation rules.
” Sabharwal replied, “Should not be given.” Previously, Smita Sabharwal never shied away from sharing her thoughts on controversial issues on X. In Aug 2022, she questioned the Gujarat govt’s decision to release 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case.
Her tweet read: “As a woman and a civil servant I sit in disbelief, on reading the news. We cannot snuff out her right to breathe free without fear, again and call ourselves a free nation.”.
