In a significant move to promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will launch a special campaign to fill vacant posts reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Under Section 34 of the RPWD Act 2016 the government has fixed a 4% reservation for PWDs in both direct recruitment and promotion across various departments.
Social Security, Women and Child Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur explained that after a thorough verification of the Roster Register across all departments of Punjab, the backlog of posts reserved for Persons with Disabilities has been identified. According to the latest reports from various Departments, Corporations and Boards, there are 1721 posts available for direct recruitment and 536 posts available for promotion.
She added that the Social Security Department has reached out to all state departments to confirm and verify this backlog information. This data will then be forwarded to the Subordinate Services Selection Board for prompt action to recruit qualified individuals for these positions. She further said that 87 departments, corporations and boards have responded with their backlog information.
Dr. Kaur said that efforts are ongoing to collect and verify data from the remaining departments. The departments with the highest number of backlog posts include the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Director Public Instruction (Elementary) and the Director Public Instruction (Secondary).
The Cabinet Minister has emphasized the importance of a timely verification process. The Social Security and Women and Child Development Department (Disability Cell) has been specifically tasked with ensuring that all verifications are completed promptly. This will facilitate swift action to fill these essential vacancies, enhancing employment opportunities for PWDs in the state of Punjab.
This initiative underscores the Punjab Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. The minister said that by addressing these backlog vacancies, the state aims to set a benchmark in equal employment opportunities and comprehensive social welfare.