Kohima, 14 September: The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Tongpang L. Jamir, along with officials of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, held separate meetings with Nungsangmenla Imchen, NCS, Secretary of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), and Lanusenla Longkumer, NCS, Secretary of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), to discuss the implementation of 4% reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in government employment and the reservation roster system.
The meetings followed verbal and written complaints from PwD aspirants concerning the implementation of the reservation and the manner in which PwD vacancies are reflected in recruitment rosters.
The SCPD emphasised the need for a “clear, consistent and transparent mechanism” for identifying reserved vacancies and maintaining rosters so that eligible PwD candidates receive the benefits provided under the applicable provisions.
The NPSC and NSSB informed that reservation rosters are furnished by the respective departments for recruitment purposes. The importance of ensuring that such rosters are clear and accurately reflect reserved vacancies was also discussed.
The meetings further discussed verification of disability certificates submitted by candidates. While acknowledging the need for proper verification, the SCPD stressed that the process should be “fair, transparent and uniform” and should not create unnecessary barriers for genuine candidates.
The SCPD called for continued coordination among government departments, NPSC, NSSB and the State Commission to ensure effective implementation of PwD reservation and timely resolution of grievances.
PwDs facing difficulties relating to reservation, roster implementation or recruitment may submit grievances to the Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, preferably in writing along with relevant supporting documents.
The meetings concluded with a shared understanding to strengthen a transparent, systematic and disability-inclusive reservation and roster mechanism and ensure equal employment opportunities for eligible PwDs.
