Defending Disability Reservations

The recent controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, who allegedly misrepresented her disability and caste to gain benefits, has sparked a debate on reservations for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India. This issue gained prominence following comments by a former NITI Aayog CEO suggesting a review of reservations for PwDs, specifically concerning mental disabilities.

Deep-rooted Ableism and Societal Attitudes

• Reflection of Ableism: Statements questioning PwD reservations by prominent figures reveal deep-seated societal biases and limited understanding of disability challenges.
• Barriers to Participation: PwDs encounter multiple obstacles such as inaccessible infrastructure, biased educational systems, and employment discrimination.
• Purpose of Reservations: Reservation policies aim to provide equitable opportunities to PwDs, countering systemic disadvantages and promoting inclusion.

Challenges in Employment and Education

• Employment Statistics: Only 23.8% of PwDs were employed according to the 76th National Sample Survey, highlighting disparities compared to the national labor force participation rate.
• Case Studies: Instances like Kartik Kansal's struggles despite clearing UPSC exams and Ira Singhal's legal battle for rightful posting underscore systemic barriers faced by PwDs.
• Intellectual Engagement: Intellectuals and policymakers often overlook structural issues in education and employment sectors while critiquing reservation policies.

Systemic Issues in Disability Certification

• Flaws in Certification: India's disability certification system relies on outdated percentage-based assessments, which do not align with international standards.
• Accessibility Challenges: Lack of specialist evaluators and unrealistic assessment guidelines at district levels contribute to inconsistent disability certifications.
• Invisible Disabilities: Persons with hidden disabilities often face rejection due to subjective assessments and outdated evaluation scales.

Mains Question:

Q. Critically analyze the controversies surrounding reservations for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India. Discuss the systemic challenges in disability certification and the societal attitudes reflected in recent debates. What reforms are necessary to ensure equitable opportunities for PwDs without compromising the integrity of reservation policies?