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The Government of Punjab has reserved a specific quota for disabled persons in all government job recruitments. Under the Disabled Persons (Employment & Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981, a minimum of 2% of posts are reserved for disabled candidates, with a proposed increase to 3% announced in 2015.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the disabled persons quota, including eligibility criteria, the assessment process, age relaxation, and how the selection works.
Legal Basis for the Disabled Quota
The quota for disabled persons is established under the Disabled Persons (Employment & Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981. This law mandates that all government departments, autonomous bodies, and attached departments in Punjab must reserve 2% of posts for persons with disabilities.
The Government of Punjab issued detailed instructions through multiple circulars from the Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD):
- Circular No. SOR-IV(S&GAD)7-1/2003 dated 15-04-2004
- Circular No. SOR-IV(S&GAD)7-1/2009 dated 14-07-2009, 23-04-2009
- Circular No. SOR-IV(S&GAD)7-1/2010 dated 12-05-2011
- Circular No. SOR-IV(S&GAD)7-1/2012 dated 21-07-2012
In March 2015, the Government of Punjab decided to increase the disabled quota from 2% to 3%, with an amendment in the relevant law under consideration.
How Is the 2% Disabled Quota Calculated?
Which posts are included in the quota?
The 2% disabled quota is calculated only against posts reserved for initial recruitment. This means:
- It does not apply to promotion posts
- It is calculated based on the total number of vacancies meant for initial recruitment in a department
- It is not necessary to apply this quota to each individual category of posts
Who decides which posts are earmarked?
The concerned department decides which category of posts to earmark for disabled persons, depending on:
- The nature of work of the posts
- Whether such work can be performed by a disabled person
Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Quota
Who qualifies as a disabled person?
To be eligible for the disabled quota, a candidate must:
- Obtain a Disability Assessment Certificate from the District Assessment Board constituted by the Social Welfare Department
- Be declared disabled but fit for the job applied for by the Assessment Board
- Attach the assessment certificate with their job application
What qualifications are required?
Disabled candidates must fulfill the same qualification and experience criteria as prescribed in the service rules for the post. The only difference is:
- They compete among themselves (other disabled candidates) for the reserved posts
- Selection is made on merit by the relevant Selection Committee or PPSC
Age Relaxation for Disabled Persons
How much age relaxation is given?
Under Rule 3(iv) of the Punjab Civil Servants (Relaxation of Upper Age Limit) Rules, 1976, disabled persons receive:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Disabled Persons (against disabled quota) | 10 years above the maximum upper age limit |
This relaxation is in addition to the standard upper age limit prescribed in the Service Recruitment Rules for the post.
Important: Departments must clearly mention the age relaxation available for disabled persons in the job advertisement.
Selection Process for Disabled Quota
How are disabled candidates selected?
The selection process follows these rules:
- Separate competition: Disabled persons compete among themselves for the posts reserved under the disabled quota
- Merit-based: Selection is made purely on merit from among disabled candidates
- No mixing: Recruitment of able-bodied persons cannot be made against posts reserved for disabled persons
- Open competition option: If a disabled person qualifies in the open competition (non-reserved vacancies), they are selected on merit and not counted against the disabled quota
What happens during PPSC recruitment?
When departments place a requisition with the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC):
- The department must specifically indicate the number of posts available for disabled persons
- The Selection Committee or PPSC must ensure the 2% quota is adhered to
- Posts reserved for disabled quota must be mentioned in the advertisement
Responsibilities of Government Departments
Each Administrative Department in Punjab must:
- Carry out a comprehensive exercise to determine the existing number and percentage of disabled employees working in various cadres
- Calculate the 2% quota only against posts reserved for initial recruitment
- Clearly mention the disabled quota posts in every job advertisement
- Ensure compliance with the quota during selection and recommendation of candidates
Monitoring and Enforcement
Who monitors compliance?
The following authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance at different levels:
| Level | Monitoring Authority |
|---|---|
| Provincial Level | Directorate of Labour Welfare, Directorate of Social Welfare |
| District Level | EDO (Community Development), DO (Labour Welfare), DO (Social Welfare) |
These authorities must remain vigilant and coordinate with all government and private establishments to ensure the 2% quota is strictly adhered to.
Key Points to Remember
- The disabled quota is 2% (proposed increase to 3% from 2015)
- It applies only to initial recruitment posts, not promotions
- Candidates need a Disability Assessment Certificate from the District Assessment Board
- 10 years age relaxation is available above the standard upper age limit
- Disabled persons compete among themselves for reserved posts
- Selection is merit-based within the disabled candidate pool
- Departments must mention the disabled quota in job advertisements
- Able-bodied persons cannot be recruited against disabled quota posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a disabled person apply for both open merit and disabled quota positions?
Yes. A disabled person can apply for both. If they qualify in open competition, they are selected on merit against non-reserved vacancies. The disabled quota remains available for other disabled candidates.
Is the 10-year age relaxation applicable for all posts?
The 10-year age relaxation applies only when a disabled person is applying against the disabled quota. If applying through open merit, standard age relaxation rules apply.
What type of disabilities are covered under this quota?
The Disabled Persons (Employment & Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981 covers all types of disabilities. However, the candidate must be declared fit for the specific job by the District Assessment Board.
Where can I get the Disability Assessment Certificate?
You can obtain the certificate from the District Assessment Board constituted by the Social Welfare Department in your district. You must appear before the board for assessment.
Has the quota been increased to 3%?
The Government of Punjab announced the decision to increase the quota from 2% to 3% in March 2015. The amendment in the relevant law was under consideration at that time.