In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Disability Welfare Department in Maharashtra has extended the four percent job reservation for individuals with disabilities to include contractual recruitment positions. This decision, guided by the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016,’ aims to address grievances and ensure consistent adherence to reservation policies across all job categories.
The implementation of the four percent reservation for disabled individuals in jobs, as mandated by the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016,’ has been the focal point of recent discussions. Complaints highlighted instances of non-compliance, prompting a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of the Disability Welfare Department. The meeting, which followed a doorstep campaign by the Department, underscored the need for uniform application of disability reservations.
As a result, the Chief Secretary issued directives to all departments, urging them to provide explicit feedback on the application of reservations for disabled persons, even in contractual posts.
Referring to Section 33 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the appropriate governments are obligated to identify suitable posts for disabled individuals and reserve positions in establishments that can be filled by individuals with significant disabilities. Section 34 further specifies that at least four percent of total posts in each category in every government establishment must be filled by appointing persons with significant disabilities.
Recognizing that many government posts are filled on a contractual basis with salaries paid by the respective government departments, the Disability Welfare Department circular emphasizes the necessity for these departments to take proactive steps in reserving positions for disabled individuals in contractual roles.
