Government Job Opportunities for Persons with Muscular Dystrophy in India

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. While its impact varies among individuals, it does not diminish the immense potential of persons with MD to contribute meaningfully to society and the workforce.

Indian government jobs hold a significant allure, offering stable employment, attractive benefits, and crucial social inclusion and recognition. The sector often offers a structured environment that can be highly conducive to a fulfilling career for individuals with disabilities.

Read on and explore the legal framework, available opportunities, and the robust systems available designed to empower persons with Muscular Dystrophy pursue government employment in India.

 

Uncovering Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy covers a wide range of inherited muscle diseases characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The most common types of conditions are Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), affecting voluntary muscles.

MD leads to varying degrees of physical impairment and is marked as a “specified disability” under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The Act is a landmark legislation that expands the types of disabilities recognized from 7 to 21.

Muscular dystrophy is specifically indicated as a separate class of specified disability within the expanded list. The recognition is significant because it formally entitles individuals with MD all the rights, protections, and benefits enshrined within the RPwD Act.

Unfortunately, individuals with MD continue to face unique challenges in the employment landscape. These include physical accessibility barriers in the workplace, societal perceptions or stigma surrounding the condition, and a general lack of awareness among employers.

Addressing these challenges is vital to fostering an inclusive work environment.

 

The Legal Framework

The RPwD Act is the cornerstone of disability rights in India. It provides a robust legal framework for the empowerment and employment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), including those with Muscular Dystrophy.

 

RPwD Act, 2016

The Act sets aside at least 4% of government jobs for PwDs. However, individuals must have achieved specified “benchmark disabilities.” The benchmark means that an individual should have at least 40% of a specified disability, certified by a competent authority.

Within the 4% reservation, 1% is earmarked for each group of PwDs as follows:

• Blindness and low vision
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Locomotor disability, including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid victims, and muscular dystrophy
• Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illness
• Multiple disabilities that include deaf-blindness

 

The reservation applies to all government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous government bodies.

The Act specifically prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all matters related to employment, including job training, recruitment, promotion, and other employment matters. A section states that no government establishment should discriminate against a PwD.

Employers are also legally obligated to provide “reasonable accommodation” and assistive devices to enable PwDs to perform their job duties effectively. This might include modifications to the work environment, adjusting work schedules, and the provision of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.

The Act places a strong emphasis on physical accessibility. All public and private establishments should ensure accessibility in their premises to accommodate the needs of PwDs within the provided timeframe. These include ramps, accessible restrooms, and barrier-free environments.

 

Other Government Policies and Initiatives

The Indian government, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), has launched several schemes and initiatives to help in skill development and employment of PwDs. These include:

• PM-DAKSH-DEPwD Portal – A platform that facilitates skill training for PwDs in over 250 market-driven courses, enhancing their employability.
• Divyangjan Rozgar Setu – Another portal that offers geo-tagged information on employment and earning opportunities for PwDs.
• Incentive Scheme to Employers in the Private Sector – The scheme reimburses the employer’s share of contribution to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) for PwD employees.
• National Career Service Centers for Differently Abled – Under the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the government has vocational rehabilitation services in over 24 centers across the country.
• Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card – The DEPwD offers a single, universally accepted identity card for PwDs. The card helps simplify access to various government benefits and schemes.

 

Government Job Roles for Persons with Muscular Dystrophy

Identification of suitable government job opportunities often involves focusing on positions that require minimal physical exertion and can be adapted using reasonable accommodations. Through the Act, the government has made efforts to identify such posts across various departments.

 

Roles that Require Less Physical Exertion

The government categorizes jobs into Groups A, B, C, and D based on their hierarchy and responsibilities. The DEPwD proactively identifies thousands of posts across these groups as suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities.

These job positions include:

• Group C clerical and administrative roles that primarily involve desk work
• Data entry operations that involve extensive computer working, requiring typing skills and minimal physical movement
• Clerks, stenographers, and office assistant positions in different ministries, departments, public sector banks, and state government offices
• Technical and IT-related roles in Groups B and C that allow for flexible work arrangements or remote work where physical presence is not vital.
• Education and research Groups A and B positions for persons with strong academic backgrounds. The careers are available in government-funded education institutions or research organizations
• Other possible roles are in the PSUs that have adaptable environments and a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility.

 

The Application Process

Navigating the application process for government jobs in India can be complex. However, the government has in place several provisions to assist persons with MD.

The application Process is as follows:

• Applying online – Most job applications are submitted online through official recruitment websites like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway recruitment Boards (RRB), and various public service commissions.
• The disability certificate – Candidates must have a valid Disability Certificate issued by a recognized medical authority. The certificate confirms the 40% or more benchmark disability while specifying the type of disability.
• PwD category selection – While applying online, candidates are expected to accurately select their PwD category (e.g. MD) and the percentage of the disability.
• Age and attempts relaxations – Most government job notifications have significant age relaxation for PwD candidates. Other relaxations provides are for competitive examinations, like the Civil Services Exam, with PwD candidates getting a higher number of attempts.
• Scribe and compensatory time – Candidates with benchmark disabilities with physical limitation to write and whose writing speed is affected can avail the facility of a scribe.

 

Conclusion

The landscape of government job opportunities for persons with Muscular Dystrophy in India is progressively evolving towards greater inclusivity and accessibility. The RPwD Act of 2016 provides a robust legal foundation with reservation and non-discrimination.

The government also offers people access to information so persons with Muscular Dystrophy are always informed, prepared, and actively participating in meaningful employment opportunities.