Pune: Contractual Jobs Also Included In Four Percent Reservation for Persons with Disabilities In Maharashtra

Pune, 13th November 2023: By the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Disability Welfare Department has directed the implementation of a four per cent job reservation for individuals with disabilities, even in contractual recruitment positions within the Maharashtra State. This decision follows complaints indicating non-compliance with the existing reservation policies.

A recent meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of the Disability Welfare Department highlighted numerous grievances received during the doorstep campaign of the Department. It was noted that the four per cent reservation for disabled individuals in jobs, mandated by the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016,’ was not consistently applied.

Consequently, the Chief Secretary issued directives to all departments, instructing them to provide explicit feedback on the application of disabled persons’ reservations in contractual posts.

Referring to Section 33 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the appropriate governments are mandated 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 per cent 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.