Odisha PWDs threaten to sue Govt over job reservation

Bhubaneswar, July 25: Upset over the State
Government’s negligence in implementing the policy of a three per
cent-reservation for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Government departments
despite the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Odisha Vikalanga Manch on Monday threatened
to file contempt petition in the apex court.

A large number of PWDs staged a dharna near the Raj
Bhavan here to highlight their plights and slammed the Government for not
taking up their problems at least on humanitarian ground.

Manch chief advisor Sanyas Behera, who led the
demonstration, lambasted the State Government saying that only three Government
departments out of the 39 in Odisha have complied with the apex court’s order
so far, though partially.

Notably, the Supreme Court on October 13, 2013
directed the Central and State Governments to ensure a three per
cent-reservation for PWDs in all Government departments within three months.

In Odisha, only the Departments of Panchayati Raj,
Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and School and Mass Education have complied with
the Supreme Court order, though not fully.

“Even the departments like Home, Works and General
Administration headed by the Chief Minister have not appointed a single PWD
under the reservation policy,” rued Behera.

“If the Government fails to comply with SC order in
a month fully we will be forced to file a contempt petition in the apex court,”
warned Behera.

The protestors also submitted a memorandum to the Governor,
Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to this effect.