Beno Zephine, first visually impaired IFS officer, wants more books for visually handicapped

Beno Zephine, first visually impaired IFS officer from Tamil Nadu, on Thursday said that efforts should be made for the availability of books, meant for competitive exams in accessible formats in terms of audio and Braille.

"My mother was there to read for me for n-number of hours. But for other visually challenged candidates who do not have the privilege of someone reading, I think somewhere down the line efforts should be made to bring books which are meant for competitive exams in accessible formats in terms of audio and Braille and if those books are kept in the libraries, I think many visually challenged candidates would be able to make proper utilisation of that," she told ANI.

In a felicitation ceremony organised by the DoPT here in New Delhi, Zephin extended her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singh.

"I take this opportunity to thank the Prime Minsiter of this country, the Government. of India. A special thanks to DoPT, the honourable Minister of State in PMO. When I met the minister for the first day, Sir was extremely positive and said that my case would be considered in a positive manner," she said.

"So today, Sir not only arranged or took every step to issue the order, also arranged a felicitation function to felicitate me. I take this opportunity to thank Dr. Jitendra Singh Sir and all the officers of DoPT who have been with me throughout this whole process of allocation. Also take this opportunity to thank the secretary, DoPT and all the officers who were there with me throughout this journey," she added.

"And also special thanks to the Ministry of External Affairs, Madam Smt. Sushma Swaraj ji and all the officers of the External Affairs Ministry who were very kind to accommodate me into this ministry. I thank everybody who has been the reason for my success," she further added.

The 25 -year-old received orders from the Central Government last week asking her to report within 60 days.