BANGALORE: K V Rajanna, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, said, "Every department receiving aids from the government will now have to strictly adhere to three per cent reservation of its workforce for differently abled. Failing which the concerned department will be charged with the extent of criminal case."
Despite being stipulated in the Persons with Disabilities (equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act 1995, the rules were not implemented. "Once the concerned department identifies their action plan it needs to be directed and get approved from the disabled department. Economic, social, medical and educational rehabilitation of the differently abled would be the areas of expenditure." The department officials had caught fake disability certificates at Chikkabalapur recently. "We will closely monitor the system. District administrators and officers at the taluk and panchayat levels will also be alerted. The local bodies will be responsible for providing wheelchairs, crutches and other aids for the differently abled" he said.
Speaking about issuance of certificates Rajanna said, "We have issued an order that in case of physical disability among people is clearly visible, doctors from a primary health centre can issue a certificate."
Reservation of three per cent for the differently abled would be applicable in case of higher and technical education and government hostels as well, he added.