Banswara: Representatives of the Rajasthan Divyang Utthan Samiti, Udaipur, and the All Rajasthan Divyang Employees Federation have expressed their gratitude to the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led Rajasthan Government for initiating the process to implement the Supreme Court's decision on reservation in promotions for employees with disabilities from June 30, 2016.

The organisations welcomed the Cabinet proposal aimed at implementing the decision in accordance with the state government's Assembly announcement. Representatives honoured Rajya Sabha MP Satish Poonia, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Iqbal Khan, and Director of the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Chandrashekhar by presenting them with garlands, turbans and shawls.

State President of the Federation Dayanand Swarnkar said that the issue of reservation in promotions for employees with disabilities had remained unresolved for nearly a decade. He said the previous Gehlot government had implemented the provision from 2021, whereas the court's decision provided for its applicability from 2016.

He said the present Rajasthan Government has taken the initiative to implement the court decision by approving the proposal in the Cabinet. This will enable eligible employees with disabilities to receive notional benefits for the period covered by the decision.

Senior Federation office-bearer Arun S. Vyas described the development as the first major victory for persons with disabilities in Rajasthan.

The Federation, however, said that its broader campaign for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities would continue. Its demands include increasing the disability vehicle allowance from Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,600 in line with the Central Government provision; reserving 4% of political positions for persons with disabilities in upcoming municipal corporation and gram panchayat elections; implementing a transfer policy to facilitate convenient postings; constructing ramps for employees with disabilities in all government offices; ensuring accessible toilets and urinals as per prescribed disability norms; and providing interest-free loans for employment and self-employment.

The Federation stated that its detailed movement covering 34 demands would continue until the remaining issues concerning employees and other persons with disabilities are addressed.