Debate Ignites Over Disability Quotas in All India Services

Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister D Anasuya Seethakka criticized senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal for questioning the need for reservations for differently-abled in AIS. The post sparked controversy, with various activists and politicians weighing in. Sabharwal defended her stance, calling for examination of quota implementation in other sectors.

Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister D Anasuya Seethakka on Tuesday criticized a social media post by senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal questioning the need for reservations for differently-abled people in the All India Services (AIS).

During an informal interaction with the media, Seethakka pointed to historical figures with disabilities, like Stephen Hawking and Helen Keller, who have made significant contributions to society.

She noted that the post has likely come to the attention of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and that she plans to discuss the matter with him.

Smita Sabharwal's controversial comment comes amid the ongoing debate over the appointment of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar under the disability quota.

The post drew criticism from various quarters, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and disability rights activists.

In response to the backlash, Sabharwal on Monday urged rights activists to also scrutinize why the disability quota remains unimplemented in the IPS and defence sectors, arguing that IAS should not be treated differently.

'I see a lot of outrage on my timeline. Addressing the elephant in the room often leads to strong reactions. I request rights activists to examine the lack of implementation of the disability quota in IPS, IFoS, and defence sectors. IAS should not be an exception,' she stated.

Commenting on inclusivity, she added, 'To live in an inclusive society is a dream we all share. Insensitivity is not something I support. Jai Hind.'

(With inputs from agencies.)