Bombay HC push for physically challenged workers

In a major relief to 16,945 physically challenged employees working for the state government and other public undertakings, the Bombay high court directed the state to provide them with equipment to help them work on a par with their able-bodied colleagues.

Division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice RS Dalvi, gave directions, stating, “The state government has to, within three months, verify and get aware of the requirements of physically challenged persons and thereafter, within the next six months place orders and provide the devices to the needy.”

The bench informed the Chief Secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad who was summoned to court. “The state government has to be sympathetic towards the needs of physically challenged employees and equal opportunities should be given to all of them for fair competition.”

Special Counsel for the state GW Mattos said, “There are a total of 16,945 posts for physically challenged persons in the state government and public sector undertakings. Of which, there is backlog of 6,638 posts, out of that 2,093 post have been filled and the remaining 4,545 would soon be done.”

The high court directed the state government to give publicity to any vacancies available, so that even if the physically challenged persons don't read it, their family members or relatives are able to inform them.

The bench was hearing a petitions filed by several individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGO).