Modi Government Expands Disability Categories for PwDs to 5, Filling 15,000 Vacant Posts Under Special Drive

In a significant move towards inclusive governance, the Modi government, led by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, has increased the number of disability categories eligible for reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from 3 to 5.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Divyang Employees National Organization, Dr Jitendra Singh shared this pivotal information. The expanded categories now include 1) blindness and low vision, 2) deaf and hard of hearing, 3) locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy, along with the newly added categories of 4) autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illness, and 5) multiple disabilities.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society and empowering individuals with disabilities. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government has implemented various welfare schemes for Divyangs, aligning with the PM’s dedication to address those marginalized by previous administrations.

Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has prioritized initiatives for the welfare of Divyangs. The ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’ increased disability categories from 3 to 5, with provisions for further additions by the Central Government. Additionally, reservation quotas for Divyangs have risen to 4% in Central Government Services and 5% in Education.

Dr Jitendra Singh noted that under PM Modi’s guidance, around 15,000 vacant posts meant for Divyangs were filled through a special drive. This inclusive approach extends to renaming them as ‘Divyang’ (Divine Body) instead of ‘Viklang.’

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to an inclusive society, citing initiatives such as fee remission in Civil Services Examination, two home cadre choices for qualifying Divyangs, increased Divyang pension, and higher attendant allowance.

Praising the Prime Minister’s dedication to empowering Divyangs, the delegation submitted a memorandum suggesting inputs for promotion avenues and service conditions.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled PM Modi’s commitment to developing para-athletes, evident in India’s historic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where Indian Paralympians secured 19 medals.

To support Divyangs in science, technology, and startups, the Ministry of Science & Technology, under Dr Jitendra Singh’s leadership, introduced several schemes over the past nine years. This holistic approach reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for individuals with disabilities.