Maharashtra govt mandates annual disclosure of employees with disabilities; Know why

Maharashtra issues two surprising directives touching both governance and culture- one about transparency, another about tradition. What’s behind these unusual moves? Read the artcile given below to know the full story.

Maharashtra: In a significant move to ensure transparency and uphold disability rights, the Maharashtra government has directed all government and semi-government offices to publish details of employees with disabilities on their official websites every year on January 1.

The directive, issued by the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Welfare Department, aims to strengthen the implementation of the 4% reservation in public employment for persons with disabilities, as mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

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According to department secretary Tukaram Mundhe, the new system will help maintain “a transparent and accurate record” of employees with disabilities and promote the effective execution of the reservation policy. A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the department makes it compulsory for all ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies to disclose this data publicly in compliance with the 2016 Act and its 2017 Rules.

Transparency and Accountability in Disability Data

The initiative will enable the creation of a statewide uniform database of employees with disabilities, aiding the government in designing targeted welfare and empowerment schemes. Under the new rule, each department is required to conduct a biannual review of vacant posts reserved for PwDs to ensure that backlog vacancies are promptly filled.

Departments will have to submit the updated data annually on January 1 to the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, who will then compile and include it department-wise in the annual report. Mundhe warned that any department failing to submit the data in the prescribed format could face penal action under Section 89 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

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Schools to Sing Full Version of ‘Vande Mataram’

In another directive, the Maharashtra School Education Department has instructed all schools across the state to sing the complete version of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ from October 31 to November 7.

The move marks the 150th anniversary of the song penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Currently, schools sing only the first two stanzas. The new circular requires institutions of all mediums to perform the full version and hold exhibitions highlighting the song’s history and national significance, according to PTI.

The order was officially issued on October 27, reflecting the state government’s effort to promote both inclusivity and cultural pride.