Employment of Persons with Disabilities in Government and Private sector

Section 33 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995 provides for reservation not less than 3% of vacancies in government establishments

The total number of persons with disability (PwDs) in the country which includes physically and mentally challenged persons is 2.19 crore as per Census, 2001.

Section 33 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995 provides for reservation not less than 3% of vacancies in government establishments for persons with disabilities of which 1% each shall be reserved for persons suffering from (i) blindness or low vision; (ii) hearing impairment and (iii) loco motor disability or cerebral palsy. Accordingly, reservations are made in various Government Establishments including Public Sector Undertakings (PSU).

Further, with a view to encourage employment of Persons with Disabilities in private sector, the Government provides the employer’s contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for 3 years, for employees with disabilities including visually impaired persons employed in the private sector on or after 01.04.2008, with a monthly salary upto Rs.25, 000 under its Scheme of Incentives to the Private Sector for Employment of Physically Challenged Persons.

National Handicapped and Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC), a PSU under this Ministry, is providing loans at concessional rates for encouraging self-employment of Persons with Disabilities.

pib