THE National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) has issued a statement on July 21, in response to the recent scandal involving trainee IAS officer Puja Khandekar, who has been accused of multiple frauds. The NPRD's statement highlights the disturbing ableist attitudes revealed by several high-ranking officials in the wake of the scandal, calling out their inherent prejudices against disabled individuals.

Amitabh Kant, vice chairperson of Niti Aayog, called for a "review" of the system of reservations for the disabled, a move that NPRD says is rooted in bias. The NPRD asserts that such comments reflect an inherent bias and prejudice against the disabled.

Then there was the statement made by IAS officer Smita Sabharwal questioning the rationality of induction of disabled persons into civil services. Coming in the wake of the fraud committed by Puja Khandekar and exposure of similar cases, Sabharwal’s statement only exposes her deep bias and underscores an ableist mindset that is very much prevalent among large sections of the bureaucracy and various tiers of the government, which also tends to equate disability with incapacity.

While Sabharwal needs to be reminded that 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, Kant needs to be told unequivocally that reservations are not charity given out of sympathy.

These statements while striking at the fundamentals of the Directive Principles of State Policy also militates against the concept of equality and non-discrimination that are the guiding principles of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. 

To counter Sabharwal's doubts, the NPRD points to numerous successful professionals with disabilities, such as Mumbai-based oncologist Dr Suresh Advani, demonstrating that disability does not preclude professional competence and success.

Moreover, the NPRD criticises the failure of these high-profile officials to address the systemic issues, the bourgeoning ranks of the unemployed, the widespread corruption in the issuance of caste and disability certificates and the various loopholes that exist that are exploited by some. Instead of focusing on these critical problems, officials like Kant and Sabharwal are diverting attention by questioning the legitimacy of reservations for the disabled.

The NPRD's statement also raises concerns about Kant's suitability for his current role, given his remarks that challenge the foundational principles of equality and non-discrimination.