Andhra Pradesh government increases reservation for disabled people in employment by 1%

From 3%, the government of Andhra Pradesh has increased reservation for disabled people in job recruitments and promotions, to 4%. This means more opportunities for the community.

The order mentions 10 new categories of disabilities, which are autism spectrum disorder (ASD), multiple disabilities, mental and intellectual disabilities.

Dr A Saibaba Goud, Founder, Devnar Foundation for the Blind, has welcomed the step.

I am glad that the Andhra Pradesh government introduced this without further delays. Unfortunately, there were only few categories earlier for reservation of disabled people. Now that the disabilities in the list have increased, more youngsters will get employment opportunities. I heard that the orders have already been passed. Now, we can only hope that the government introduces this without any hassles. Time will tell the rest. –Dr A Saibaba Goud, Founder, Devnar Foundation for the Blind

Apart from employment opportunities, this new reservation process will also ensure that disabled people are able to move up higher. Many disabled people face few opportunities for growth, something that will be addressed as well, hope activists.

Himabindu M Gattu, Co-founder, Abhilasha Research Centre for Children with Special Needs in Hyderabad, has concerns about implementation.

“This is a great move from the government. But I still have my doubts to how well this is going to be implemented across the state. I know a few people who had applied for jobs under this category but they were never provided with any openings”, she says.

This is a good first step given that many states are yet to even implement the central government order. Hopefully Andhra Pradesh will lead the way.

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