UPSC topper to be govt poster-girl for ‘special’ scheme

Ira Singhal, who topped this year’s civil services examination, could be the brand ambassador for the programmes of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

After felicitating the differently-abled IRS officer here on Wednesday, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment <g data-gr-id="17">Thaawar</g> Chand Gehlot said that Singhal could be the brand ambassador for the department for its schemes and programmes and her achievements shall inspire a whole generation of youth to come forward and achieve glorious heights.

Lov Verma, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment assured her that the problems pointed out by her which are being faced by persons with disabilities while appearing in competitive examinations shall be addressed, an official statement said.

The Secretary further said that the department will proactively ensure that seamless guidelines are available for such persons, it said. Awanish K Awasthi, Joint Secretary to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities said that in consultation with UPSC, SSC, UGC and other educational bodies, the department will strive to ensure that the guidelines are such that they help and promote the cause of PwDs to achieve their inclusion, participation and empowerment.

Delhi-based Singhal became the first differently-abled woman to top the civil services examination in 

which the top four positions were bagged by women.