Addressing a press conference in Bangalore on Monday, advisor to the governor PKH Tharakan said that as per Rule 28 A of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Karnataka Rules 2006, all State Government departments, boards, and corporations should provide reservation.

There are about 17,000 vacancies reserved for PWDs in various departments. The government has asked all departments to take measures to fill up the vacancies.

He said that the government has also appealed to private companies to give 5 per cent reservation for PWDs.
The government will bear the employer’s share towards EPF (employees provident fund) of PWDs employed in private establishments.

Tharakan said that Pepsi has already appointed 20 people with disabilities. More than 36,000 PWDs have already registered with Employment Exchanges for jobs. Their detailed profile will be displayed on the official website: www.karnatakapwdjobs.com

Genetic counselling

The Department of Women and Child Welfare will set up genetic counselling centres - equipped with modern technology - for early detection and intervention to prevent disability.

The department has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Sparsha Hospital in this regard. Such centres will be set up in all districts, he said.

Complexes

Tharakan said the State government would set up commercial complexes exclusively for the disabled people. In the first leg, complexes will be set up in Bidar and Gulbarga.

The programme will be extended to other districts gradually, he added.