India: The Centre for Disability Studies, together with the Nalsar University of Law in Hyderabad, has prepared a working draft of an Act that would reserve 6% of all jobs for persons who have disabilities and impairments.

This proposal is under consideration by a Parliamentary Sub-Committee, which has made a similar recommendation. The Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995 reserved only 3% of government posts for persons with disabilities, whilst this new draft Act proposes reserving 6% of all posts for persons who are living with impairments and disabilities. Directly addressing the issue of discrimination, this draft Act states that a person cannot be denied appointment or promotion on the grounds of disability.

In addition, this draft Act requires the Government and municipal bodies to consult with the Disability Commission before any public buildings or utilities are constructed, to ensure that they are user-friendly to persons who have disabilities. Existing structures will have to be adapted so they are accessible to all also in ten years of the legislation coming into force.

Categories: India