Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 22 (ANI): The Gujarat Government has constituted a five-member high-level committee to formulate an appropriate policy for providing reservation in promotions to its employees with disabilities.

According to Gujarat Chief Minister’s office, the decision is expected to open up new avenues for promotion and equal career opportunities for employees with disabilities in the state.

The committee will be headed by the Chief Secretary. Senior officials from the General Administration Department (GAD), Social Justice and Empowerment Department and Law Department, along with the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, have been appointed as members, the release added.

The government has adopted a comprehensive approach, with the committee tasked with examining various aspects of the issue and submitting its recommendations.

The committee, constituted recently through a resolution issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) under the leadership of the Chief Minister, will undertake a detailed study of the existing legal provisions relating to reservation in promotion for persons with disabilities in the services and posts under the state government.

It will also examine the guidelines issued by the Government of India and relevant judgments delivered by the Supreme Court and High Courts, the release added.

In addition, the committee will undertake a comparative study of the policies and provisions adopted by other state governments regarding reservation in promotion for employees with disabilities.

The committee will specifically examine what would constitute an appropriate policy for providing reservation in promotion to officers and employees with disabilities and what steps would be required for its effective implementation. It will submit detailed recommendations on various important aspects, including the percentage of reservation in promotions, based on the policies of other states, legal provisions and judicial pronouncements.

The committee has also been empowered to seek necessary information and views from any department or office whenever required. Its proceedings will be carried out within the timeframe prescribed by the state government.

The initiative, aimed at further strengthening the empowerment of employees with disabilities and ensuring equal opportunities, reflects the Gujarat Government’s inclusive and sensitive approach to administration. Following the committee’s study and recommendations, the way forward for framing an appropriate policy on reservation in promotion is expected to become clearer, the release stated. (ANI)