Ahmedabad: Gujarat high court on Wednesday sought a reply from the state government after a PIL complained that no disabled person has been appointed in the 3% quota in government jobs in Gujarat, since 2002.

A bench of Chief Justice R S Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi has asked the government pleader to seek instructions on the claims made in the PIL. Further hearing has been kept next week, said petitioner advocate K R Koshti.

Criticizing the government’s stand, the petitioner submitted that on one hand the government is projecting a disabled-friendly image by terming disabled people ‘divyang’, but on the other hand, since 2002, it has not made a single appointment under the 3% quota for disabled people in jobs under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995.

The petitioner submitted that his claims were based on information revealed by the government under RTI queries.

The PIL observed that there are 2.68 crore disabled people in India and more than 10 lakh in Gujarat. Most of them strive for jobs unsuccessfully, because of the state government’s apathy.

Advocate Koshti has sought proper implementation of laws meant to provide jobs to people with disabilities. He urged the HC to direct the government to appoint a liaison officer in each government department to ensure that the law is properly implemented.

The PIL has also sought court directions to authorities for creating awareness among disabled people about their rights and entitlements.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/HC-seeks-govt-reply-on-unfilled-quota-for-disabled/articleshow/52772365.cms