The government employment landscape in India is increasingly opening doors to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), especially those with locomotor and movement challenges. The available jobs offer unparalleled stability, attractive benefits, and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to national development. These roles not only employ individuals with locomotor disability, but they also represent societal integration, independence, and dignity.
India’s enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016 marks a profound transformation in how disability is addressed. Here is a thorough examination of the legal framework and specific job roles to empower PwD job seekers with the knowledge to navigate their career journey effectively.
Defining Locomotor Disability
Locomotor disability refers to issues with movement. The consensus is that it is a disability affecting muscles, joints, or bones that leads to substantial movement restriction of the limbs or any cerebral palsy form. This condition can affect an individual’s movements including walking, holding, or picking up.
The RPwD Act, 2016, significantly expands the definition of disability from 7 to 21 categories embracing a wider spectrum of challenges. Specific conditions covered under locomotor disability include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Leprosy cured individual
- Acid attack victims
- Common conditions that can cause locomotor disability such as polio, spinal injuries, amputation, and arthritis
The Legal Backbone
The 2016 RPwD Act is a significant legislative advancement that replaced the 1995 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act. The upgrade introduces stronger rules while expanding the definition of disability for comprehensive protection and rights. It is also a proactive governmental response to the evolving understanding of disability and aligning with international conventions.
The Act offers a wide range of rights and entitlements, including the right to:
- Equality
- Non-discrimination
- Protection from cruelty and exploitation
- Live independently
- Access to justice
- Health
- Education
- Employment
Section 34 of the Act calls for a 4% reservation in government employment for persons with benchmark disabilities. The reservation applies comprehensively across all government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous government bodies.
Increasing the reservation demonstrates a tangible commitment to increasing representation for PwDs. It indicates legislative intent to improve opportunities through a more robust inclusion approach.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, plays a vital role in implementing the RPwD Act. It also oversees various schemes and initiatives empowering PwDs.
Government Jobs Suitable for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities
Inclusive employment in the government extends to actively identifying and earmarking specific job roles suitable for individuals with locomotor disabilities. Each Ministry, Department, attached and subordinate offices, Central Public Sector Enterprises, and Cantonment Boards are mandated to identify job types that can be easily performed by PwDs.
The directive focuses on Group B, C, and D posts where there are significantly more job opportunities. The DEPwD identifies over 3,000 posts in the Central Government as specifically suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities. Targeting areas with higher recruitment volumes increases the likelihood of successful employment and retention, maximizing the impact of reservation policies.
Specific job categories where opportunities are commonly found for PwDs with locomotor disabilities include:
- Group A and B – Executive-level jobs in administrative, scientific, academic, and technical domains
- Group C – Clerical and secretarial roles
- Group D – Manual skill jobs such as office assistants, peons, and cleaners
However, the guidelines do not restrict an individual with a disability capable of performing all jobs a person without a disability can perform. The goal is to promote merit and individual capability over rigid categorization.
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of key government job categories and associated physical requirements.
Abbreviations for physical requirements commonly used in official notifications are:
- BA – Both Arms
- BH – Both Hands
- BL – Both Legs
- BLA – Both Legs and Arms
- BLAO – Both Legs One Arm
- BLOA – Both Legs One Arm
- HH – Hearing Handicapped
- MW – Muscular Weakness
- OA – One Arm
- OAL – One Arm One Leg
- OL – One Leg
Abbreviations for functional classification used in official notifications are:
- BN – Bending
- C – Communication
- H – Hearing/Speaking
- KC – Kneeling and Crouching
- L – Lifting
- MF – Manipulation by Finger
- PP – Pushing and Pulling
- RW – Reading and Writing
- S – Sitting
- SE – Seeing
- ST – Standing
- W – Walking
| Service/Post Name | Physical Requirements (Abbreviations) | Functional Classification (Abbreviations) |
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | BA, OA, OL, BH, BL, MW, BLOA, BLA, OAL | C, S, W, ST, SE, RW, H |
| Indian Revenue Service (IRS) | OL, OA | C, S, BN, L, SE, RW, H, MF, W, ST |
| Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | OA, OAL, OL | RW, ST, S, W, C, SE, MF |
| Indian P&T Accounts & Finance Service | BH, BA, BL, OA, OL, MW, OAL | BN, KC, S, PP, SE, W, RW, C, ST, H, L, MF |
| Indian Audit and Account Service | OL, OA | S, ST, W, RW, H, C, SE |
| Indian Ordnance Factories Service | OA, OL | S, ST, W, BN, RW, SE, H, C |
| Indian Civil Accounts Service | OA, OL, OAL, BL | S, ST, W, RW, H, C, SE |
| Indian Postal Service | OA, OL | S, ST, W, RW, SE, H, C, BN |
| Indian Railway Accounts Service | OA, OAL, OL, BL, BLAO | S, ST, W, RW, H, C, SE |
| Indian Railway Personnel Service | OL, OA | S, ST, W, RW, H, C, SE |
| Indian Defence Estates Service | OL, OA, BL | S, ST, W, BN, MF, PP, KC, SE, RW, H, C |
| Indian Railways Traffic Service | HH, OL, OA | S, ST, W, SE, RW, H, C |
| Indian Information Service | BA, OA, OL, BH, MW, BL, BLA, OAL, BLOA | S, ST, W, RW, SE, H, C |
| Indian Corporate Law Service | OA, OL, BL, OAL | ST, RW, SE, S, BN, H |
| Indian Trade Service | BA, OA, OL, BH, MW, BL, BLA, OAL, BLOA | S, ST, W, SE, H, RW, C |
| Armed Forces Service (Civilian Posts) | BL, OA, OL | S, ST, W, BN, MF, SE, RW, H, C |
| Assistant Superintendent (Goa Shipyard) | N/A | N/A |
| Personal Assistant (IWAI) | N/A | N/A |
| Faculty (CU Jammu, NITTTR Chennai, IIIT Pune) | N/A | N/A |
| Engineer Trainee (BEL, THDC, NALCO, CPCL) | N/A | N/A |
| Nursing Officer (AIIMS) | N/A | N/A |
| Junior Research Fellow (NIELIT, DRDO) | N/A | N/A |
| Senior Research Fellow (IIMR) | N/A | N/A |
| Tradesman Trainee (IREL) | N/A | N/A |
| Clerk (NIAB) | N/A | N/A |
| English Stenographer (Jharkhand High Court) | N/A | N/A |
N/A indicates that there are no specific requirement abbreviations for the job titles, but the roles are considered suitable for PwDs with locomotor disabilities as per the regulations set by the government.
Conclusion
The journey into government service for individuals with locomotor and movement disabilities in India is a tangible reality. A robust legal framework makes the path clearer and easier than before.
Take the next step and explore the large number of opportunities available across multiple government sectors. Your skills, dedication, and unique perspectives are invaluable assets that the public sector is seeking. This is your moment to secure a stable, fulfilling career, and contribute to the nation’s progress.