India's central government has enforced a 2% reservation for persons with disabilities (PwD) in direct recruitment to government posts, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The rule applies to all establishments under the central government, including public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies.
The quota is divided among specific disability categories: 1% for blindness or low vision, 1% for deaf or hard of hearing, and 1% for locomotor disability or cerebral palsy, with the remaining 1% for multiple disabilities. However, the total reservation is capped at 2% of the total posts in each cadre.
This move aims to enhance employment opportunities for the disabled community, which has historically faced underrepresentation in the workforce. The government has also issued guidelines for the identification of suitable posts and the provision of necessary accommodations.
Employers are required to maintain records of employees with disabilities and report compliance annually. Non-compliance can lead to penalties under the Act.
