Meghalaya unit of the Association for Empowerment of Divyangjan threatens legal action for alleged violation of their rights
SHILLONG, July 14: The Meghalaya unit of the Association for Empowerment of Divyangjan (AED) has accused the state government of failing to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs), alleging widespread discrimination in public recruitment, poor implementation of reservation policies, and lack of transparency in the state’s roster system.
The organisation also warned that it would initiate fresh legal proceedings if corrective measures are not taken.
The AED decided on its action plan during a meeting of its state executive committee at the Blind Lead Trust office in Nongthymmai, where office-bearers from different districts, along with the organisation’s legal team, reviewed “persistent violations” of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.
The organisation said it had planned to submit a memorandum detailing its concerns to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities on July 10. However, the meeting was postponed after the Commissioner’s office cancelled the appointment due to administrative reasons.
The AED said it is seeking an alternative date to pursue an administrative resolution before considering legal action.
Citing findings obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the organisation alleged that several government departments either furnished blank replies or reported “nil” information regarding the employment of persons with disabilities, without providing disability-wise data. It claimed the responses pointed to a lack of transparency in the implementation of reservation provisions.
The AED further alleged that qualified PwD candidates have faced discrimination during recruitment despite clearing written examinations. Members also claimed that the legally mandated reservation for the PwDs was being bypassed in some cases through political recommendations, although the organisation did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Among the issues highlighted were instances of candidates allegedly denied selection after interviews because of their disabilities, and of examination authorities reportedly failing to provide scripts to eligible candidates, affecting their ability to appear for recruitment examinations.
The organisation also sought clarification on whether backlog vacancies earmarked for persons with disabilities under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, had been filled and how the mandatory 4% reservation under the RPWD Act, 2016, is being implemented in the state’s recruitment roster. It further raised concerns at alleged misuse of disability certificates, particularly in the hearing impairment category, and called for stricter verification.
The AED said it would first pursue administrative intervention by submitting a detailed memorandum to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Social Welfare Department. It warned that if the issues relating to reservation, recruitment practices, and roster implementation are not addressed within a reasonable period, it would pursue legal remedies, including appropriate court proceedings.
