Minister Seethakka criticizes Smita Sabharwal’s remarks on differently-abled quota in UPSC exams

HYDERABAD: IAS officer Smita Sabharwal faces growing criticism for her comments on the reservation for differently-abled individuals in the UPSC exams. Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister D Anasuya (Seethakka) strongly condemned Sabharwal’s remarks, finding them highly objectionable.
Seethakka criticized Sabharwal for questioning the physical fitness of differently-abled persons despite being a senior IAS officer. She urged Sabharwal to understand the difference between field visits and office work. Seethakka expressed hope that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was briefed on Sabharwal’s comments. If not, Seethakka pledged to personally raise the issue with him.
Seethakka emphasized that differently-abled persons have achieved success in various fields despite their physical challenges. The criticism from Seethakka adds to the controversy surrounding Sabharwal’s initial comments on the necessity of a disability quota in the IAS. Sabharwal’s remarks suggested that individuals with disabilities might struggle to meet the demands of the service, which sparked backlash.
Seethakka made these remarks on Smita to the media while attending the Telangana Assembly sessions on Tuesday. She reiterated the government’s commitment to reservations and criticized Sabharwal for questioning their validity.
Seethakka noted that IAS and IPS officers face different challenges, suggesting that Sabharwal’s remarks were uninformed. The minister’s comments are expected to escalate the controversy further. Differently-abled individuals have already filed police complaints against Sabharwal, though no case has been registered yet.
The controversy may affect Sabharwal’s future career prospects, as the Congress government has already assigned her less prominent positions. Sabharwal’s comments could lead to further complications for her.
Smita Sabharwal’s reply to one senior journalist
In response to the backlash, Smita Sabharwal tweeted a reply to one senior journalist, who had posted stories of the backlash faced by Smita Sabharwal. He posted two stories regarding the same, one is about open challenge to Smita Sabharwal by Bala Latha and the other one is regarding the complaints against Smita Sabharwal .
In reply to this tweet, he replied that “Hello @SmitaSabharwal garu,
As a journalist who reports the news, she will be questioned just as we question you. It’s clear that both parties can articulate their own views without a spokesperson. Please choose your words wisely.”
I would take on her odd challenge but doubt UPSC will permit me due to my advanced age 😄
Since @sudhakarudumula you are her spokesperson pls do ask her only one Question –To what use has she put her privilege of Disability Quota ?
To run coaching institutes or to serve the… https://t.co/sXmuLY0TkU— Smita Sabharwal (@SmitaSabharwal) July 23, 2024
Smita expressed skepticism about being allowed to retake the UPSC exam due to her age. She also questioned how Bala Latha had used her disability quota, suggesting it was for running coaching institutes rather than serving people through fieldwork.