The recent cancellation of Puja Khedkar’s candidature by the UPSC has highlighted significant challenges faced by specially abled candidates pursuing civil services careers. Khedkar’s case, marked by accusations of ‘misrepresenting information’ through multiple questionable disability certificates, underscores the systemic issues within the civil services recruitment process.
Barriers in the Civil Services Examination Process
Specially abled candidates face a range of obstacles when preparing for and navigating the civil services exams. Visually impaired aspirants often struggle due to the lack of accessible study materials in Braille, and once they clear the Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test, they face delays in appointment compared to their general category counterparts. Many disabled candidates have resorted to legal action to secure appointments, as exemplified by Ira Singhal, who had to wait four years after her successful examination before being appointed as an assistant commissioner in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
Discrepancies in Appointment Procedures
The appointment process for specially abled candidates reveals stark discrepancies. While candidates with less severe disabilities, such as those with a missing finger, may receive appointments, visually impaired and severely disabled candidates often face prolonged waiting periods. For instance, Kartik Kansal, who suffers from muscular dystrophy and is wheelchair-bound, has been waiting for an appointment for eight years despite being selected multiple times. His condition is not included in the list of disabilities eligible for UPSC posts, reflecting inconsistencies in the functional classification criteria.
Systemic Issues and Inequities
The case of Puja Khedkar highlights deeper systemic issues within the UPSC selection process. Khedkar’s ability to submit multiple disability certificates and briefly secure an IAS trainee position points to a need for stricter verification processes. As Jobin S Kottaram, founder of IAS Absolute Academy, notes, the Right to Disability Act mandates that 4% of appointments should be reserved for disabled candidates. However, this quota is often unmet, and candidates with severe disabilities continue to face delays and hurdles.
Kottaram’s Project Chitrashala aims to support disabled candidates by providing Braille and audio study materials. Despite these efforts, disabled candidates often struggle post-selection, facing legal battles and lack of support even after securing media attention.
Ensuring Fairness and Integrity in Medical Examinations
The role of medical examinations in ensuring fair and equitable appointments for disabled candidates cannot be overstated. JK Dadoo, a retired senior IAS officer, emphasizes the importance of maintaining high medical examination standards. To safeguard the integrity of the selection process, he suggests that candidates should undergo comprehensive tests at reputable hospitals such as AIIMS and RML. A system involving cross-checks by UPSC-appointed doctors could further enhance the accuracy and fairness of the process.
Dadoo also underscores the need to balance public interest with the candidates’ disabilities. While it is essential to support and provide opportunities for disabled candidates, it is equally important to ensure that those appointed are suitable for the roles they undertake, especially in positions requiring extensive fieldwork.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Puja Khedkar’s candidature has brought to light the multifaceted challenges faced by specially abled aspirants in the civil services. The issues of accessibility, appointment delays, and inconsistencies in disability classifications reflect broader systemic problems that need addressing. As the civil services recruitment process evolves, it is crucial to ensure that all candidates, regardless of their abilities, are provided with fair opportunities and support to succeed in their careers.
