Government welcomes visually challenged IFS officer

Beno Zephine secured the 343rd rank and was keen on taking up the Indian Foreign Service, notwithstanding the government rules.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh greets Beno Zephine, the first visually challenged officer who joined the IFS in New Delhi on Thursday.

The Union government felicitated Beno Zephine, 25, from Chennai, who is probably the first 100 per cent visually challenged IFS officer, here on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, who felicitated Ms. Zephine, said he was impressed with her confidence and determination.

Mr. Singh recalled how last year, the department was confronted with the case of a visually challenged candidate who made it to the merit list of the Civil Services Examination by securing the 343rd rank and was keen on taking up the Indian Foreign Service, notwithstanding the government rules.

He said it was Ms. Zephine’s determination which inspired him and his colleagues in the Ministry to take up her case and find her a befitting slot.

Ms. Zephine, who had been working as a probationary officer with the State Bank of India, thanked the Minister and the officials.