'Will airlines hire disabled pilots?': IAS officer Smita Sabharwal's quota remarks spark backlash

As the uproar continues over the selection of probationary officer Pooja Khedkar into the IAS on the basis of disability criteria, another official in the Chief Minister’s Office has sparked a debate on whether such a quota was ever necessary in the first place. Social media comments by Smita Sabharwal, secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, have drawn sharp criticism from disability rights activists and set the internet on fire.

Sabharwal likened the challenges faced by persons with disabilities to “physical strength” and asked whether airlines would hire persons with disabilities or whether patients would trust a surgeon with a disability. “With all due respect to persons with disabilities as this debate rages, would an airline hire a pilot with a disability? Or would they trust a surgeon with a disability? The very nature of #AIS (IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field work, long hard hours, listening to people’s grievances first hand and this requires physical strength. Why does this premier service need this quota in the first place! #JustListening,” she wrote in her X post.

Disability rights activists said people with disabilities should not be viewed through a “narrow lens” that doubts their capabilities. Some activists cited examples of top doctors, army personnel and businessmen to make their point. However, the IAS officer continued to defend her remarks as they drew more attention in the wake of the misconduct allegations against Khedkar. In her latest post on X, she asked disability rights activists to examine why such quotas are not being implemented in the Indian Police Force or even the Ministry of Defence, adding that the IAS is “no different”.

“My timeline has seen a lot of angry responses. Perhaps this is the reaction you get when you address an issue that cannot be ignored. I also request the human rights activists to look into why this quota is yet to be implemented in certain branches like IPS/IFoS and Defence. My point is that IAS is no exception. Living in an inclusive society is a dream we all harbour. Insensitivity has no place in my heart. Jai Hind,” she wrote.

Replying to critics, Sabharwal also said that the All India Services (AIS) has different requirements compared to other central services and talented disabled people can find other great opportunities. “…I fundamentally recognise the need for jobs. The issue here is about suitability for on-ground jobs. I am also sure other services in the government like desk/think tanks are suitable. Please do not jump to conclusions. The legal framework is there to protect the rights of equality across the board. There is no room for debate there,” she added.

“Fundamental ignorance about disabilities”

Responding to Sabharwal’s remarks, disability rights activist Dr Satendra Singh said, “Dear Shri @SmitaSabharwal, Yes, there are many disabled surgeons in India too – in fields like Urology, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Plastic Surgery etc. So, next time you meet a disabled person, have faith in their capabilities!!”

Arman Ali, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities, profiled some notable people with disabilities and posted on X, “Surely @SmitaSabharwal knows that Maj Gen Ian Cardozo AVSM SM, the first war disabled officer to command a battalion in @adgpi, KRS Jamwal, ED at Tata Industries and Dr Suresh Advani, eminent oncologist, are both wheelchair-bound. The tragedy is when we view capability through a narrow lens.”

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“I am shocked at the IAS officer’s fundamental ignorance about disabilities. Most disabilities do not affect stamina or intelligence. But this tweet shows that there is a dire need for awareness and diversity,” said prominent lawyer Karuna Nandi.

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Muralidharan, general secretary of the National Platform for Disability Rights (NPRD), issued a statement condemning these remarks: “Following the exposure of the scandal involving an IAS trainee officer and the multiple scams perpetrated by her, various senior officials have weighed in on the issue. In the process, many of them have revealed their innate prejudices and biases…Reservation for persons with disabilities will be made only for posts identified for each disability and the identification will be made on the basis of their ability to discharge the responsibilities entailed in a particular post…,” the statement said.