'Does Airline Hire Pilot With Disability': IAS Officer Smita Sabharwal's Quota Remark Draws Backlash

Amid a massive row and an ongoing investigation into probationary officer Puja Khedkar’s selection into the IAS under the disability criteria, another officer in the premier service stirred a debate over whether such quotas were really needed in the first place. Social media comments by Smita Sabharwal, member secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, have blown up on the internet with sharp criticism from disability rights activists.

Comparing challenges faced by the differently abled to “physical fitness”, Sabharwal asked if an airline would hire a person with a disability or whether a patient would trust a surgeon with a disability. “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 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! #justasking” she wrote in a post on X.

Disability rights activists said persons with disabilities should not be seen through a “narrow lens” that doubts their competence. Some cited examples of top doctors, armymen and businessmen to make their case. The IAS officer, however, continued to defend her comments as they drew more traction in the wake of allegations of misconduct against Khedkar. In her latest post on X, she asked disability rights activist to examine why these quotas have not been implemented in the Indian Police Service or even the defence, adding that the IAS is “no different”.

“See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction. Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence. My limited point is that the IAS is no different. To live in an inclusive society is a dream that we all subscribe to. Insensitivity has no place in my mind. Jai Hind,” she wrote.

In her responses to her critics, too, Sabharwal said the All India Services (AIS) have different demands compared to other central services and that the 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,” she added.

‘Fundamentally ignorant about disability’

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 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 ability is viewed through 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.”

Muralidharan, general secretary of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), issued a statement condemning these remarks. “In the wake of the exposure of the scandal involving a trainee IAS officer and the multiple frauds that she has committed, various people in high positions have joined issue. Many of them in the process have revealed their inherent prejudices and bias… Reservation for disabled is only against posts identified for each disability and that identification is done based on capability to carry out the responsibility that a particular post will entail…” the statement read.