The controversy surrounding Maharashtra IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar, who’s dealing with disciplinary motion for alleged abuse of energy, has forged a pall over the recruitment strategy of the Union Public Service Fee (UPSC). Nonetheless, regardless of such controversies, Rigzin Sampheal’s journey continues to encourage many differently-abled UPSC aspirants.
Rigzin Sampheal, a 2003-batch IAS officer of UP cadre, confronted main challenges whereas becoming a member of the Indian Administrative Providers. Sampheal, who comes from Scheduled Tribe (ST) background and suffers from orthopedic incapacity, scored 120 marks within the UPSC examination however was initially allotted to IRS as an alternative of IAS. Equally, his pal Lokesh Kumar, who was ranked ninth within the Scheduled Caste class and had the same incapacity, was not provided the IAS submit although he was eligible. Each should take authorized motion in opposition to the committee’s determination.
Earlier than the tribunal might attain its conclusion, the Prime Minister’s Workplace (PMO) intervened. A separate medical committee was fashioned and declared Sampheal and Kumar match for nearly all posts underneath the IAS ambit. Subsequently, they get the IAS place in accordance with their rank. “The prime minister at the moment was Atal Bihari Vajpayee and it was due to his workplace that we bought the seat,” Samphier mentioned.
Sampheal’s journey is an inspiring story for UPSC aspirants, particularly these from ST background and people with disabilities. He served as district Justice of the Peace and collector in numerous districts of Uttar Pradesh and served within the Jammu and Kashmir cadre earlier than searching for voluntary retirement final yr.
Aman Ali is president of the Nationwide Middle for the Development of Employment of Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEDP), a serious non-profit group devoted to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Taking a dig at IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who solid incapacity certificates to go the UPSC exams, Ali mentioned: “It’s unhappy to witness these incidents, however they level to a bigger situation. , that’s, how society views incapacity and affirmative motion human wants.
Ali elaborated on the definition and scope of disabilities thought-about for UPSC quota.
“Incapacity is any situation that limits your capacity (whether or not bodily or psychological) to carry out a perform, leading to hindrance in social, instructional or financial alternatives. The federal government defines eligibility for UPSC quota as having a incapacity of at the very least 40% and being licensed by an establishment Licensed people.
