Upsc CSE PwD Reservation: Abhishek Singh, Puja Kedkar Under Scanner for Disability Claim

Abhishek Singh and Puja Kedkar under Scanner for Disability Claim: Understanding UPSC CSE PwD Category Reservation

Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a prestigious exam that selects candidates for various civil services in India. However, recent controversies have cast aspersions on the fairness and integrity of the selection process, particularly regarding the reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

The Cases of Abhishek Singh and Puja Kedkar

* Abhishek Singh: In 2012, Abhishek Singh, who secured the third rank in the UPSC CSE, was accused of fraudulently claiming disability benefits. He was alleged to have misrepresented his vision impairment to avail the 5% reservation for PwD candidates.

* Puja Kedkar: In 2021, Puja Kedkar, who had earlier achieved success in the UPSC CSE as a PwD candidate, was embroiled in a controversy regarding her disability claim. Her doctor was accused of issuing a false certificate, and Kedkar was alleged to have exaggerated her low vision condition.

The PwD Reservation Policy

* The PwD reservation policy in the UPSC CSE is reserved for candidates with certain disabilities, including blindness, low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, leprosy-cured, and mental illness.

* PwD candidates are eligible for a 5% reservation in the total vacancies.

* To avail this reservation, candidates must submit a disability certificate from a government-authorized medical board or hospital.

Distinction between "Persons with Disabilities" and "Physically Handicapped"

It's important to distinguish between "Persons with Disabilities" and "Physically Handicapped."

* Persons with Disabilities: Refers to individuals with a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that impacts their ability to perform certain activities.

* Physically Handicapped: A term often used to describe individuals with physical disabilities, but it can be perceived as stigmatizing.

Concerns and Criticisms

The recent controversies have raised concerns about:

* Misuse of Reservation: Individuals who do not genuinely have disabilities may be exploiting the reservation benefits.

* Fairness and Integrity: The system should ensure that only eligible candidates avail the reservation.

* Medical Certification: The reliability of medical certificates issued by government-authorized bodies has come under scrutiny.

Need for Strict Verification

To address these concerns, there is a need for:

* Thorough Medical Examination: Disabled candidates should undergo a rigorous medical examination by an independent panel of experts.

* Verification of Disability: The validity of disability certificates should be cross-verified with medical records and other evidence.

* Enforcement of Penalties: Candidates found guilty of misrepresenting their disability should be penalized and debarred from future examinations.

Effective Implementation of Reservation Policies

The PwD reservation policy is intended to promote inclusivity and ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equitable opportunity to compete in the UPSC CSE.

To ensure effective implementation, the following measures should be considered:

* Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate candidates about the PwD reservation policy and its intended purpose.

* Capacity Building: Train medical personnel who issue disability certificates to ensure accurate and reliable assessments.

* Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Establish a grievance redressal mechanism for candidates who suspect misuse of reservation benefits.

Conclusion

The controversies surrounding Abhishek Singh and Puja Kedkar have highlighted the need for a thorough review of the PwD reservation policy in the UPSC CSE. Strict verification of disability claims and effective implementation of reservation policies are essential to maintain fairness and integrity in the selection process. By ensuring that only genuine candidates benefit from reservation, we can foster an inclusive and equitable society where individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to excel and contribute to the nation.

Short Description

Recent UPSC controversies 🔎 have shed light on concerns about reservation benefits. Cases like Puja Khedkar and Abhishek Singh raise questions about fairness and integrity in the selection process. Strict verification of disability claims and effective implementation of policies are crucial. The article discusses the PwD reservation policy, clarifying the distinctions between "Persons with Disabilities" and "Physically Handicapped." ⚖️ #UPSC #Reservation #Fairness #Integrity
#UPSCReservationControversy #FairnessInCivilServices #DisabilityVerification #ReservationPolicies #PwdReservationPolicy #PersonsWithDisabilities #PhysicallyHandicapped