The Gujarat government has formed a five-member committee to examine reservation in promotions for employees with disabilities and recommend a state policy. Headed by the Chief Secretary, the panel will study central guidelines, court judgments and policies followed by other states before suggesting the percentage of reservation and steps needed for implementation.
The committee has been set up through a resolution issued by the General Administration Department under the state government. Its main task is to examine the existing legal framework governing reservation in promotions for employees with disabilities.
The panel will look at the rules applicable to services and posts under the Gujarat government and assess how a suitable policy can be introduced. The committee will study guidelines issued by the Government of India along with relevant judgments of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The findings will help the panel assess the legal requirements for a reservation policy in promotions.
What happens next?
It will make recommendations on the percentage of reservation in promotions after considering laws, court decisions and practices followed by other states. The panel will also examine the administrative steps needed to put such a policy into effect for eligible government employees. The committee will now study the legal, administrative and policy aspects of the issue before submitting its recommendations. A final policy will depend on the findings of the panel and subsequent decisions by the Gujarat government. The move could provide a clearer framework for career progression of employees with disabilities in the Gujarat government, while ensuring that any policy is aligned with applicable laws and judicial directions.
One of the main issues before the panel will be deciding what an appropriate reservation policy should look like.
