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Source– This post is based on the article “People with blood disorders not eligible for reservation in jobs, says Centre” published in “The Hindu” on 19th December 2023.
Why in the News?
According to Ministry of Social Justice, people with blood disorders like thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease are not eligible for job reservations in government roles under the Persons with Disabilities category.
What is the Issue?
1) The Right to Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016 provides for reservation of 4% of government jobs for people with specific disabilities, such as total loss of vision, low vision, complete loss of hearing etc.
2) While the three diseases were included in the list of disabilities under the RPwD Act, 2016, the government held that as per Section 34 of the Act, persons with blood disorders including Thalassemia are not eligible for reservation in government jobs.
Note- Under Section 34 of RPwD, 2016, each government establishment is required to set aside 1% of total vacancies for individuals with benchmark disabilities arising of autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illnesses.
3) There are concerns that the exclusion of these blood disorders from job reservations undermines the intended purpose of the legislation.
What is the Right to Persons with Disabilities Act Act, 2016?
What are these blood disorders?
| Specifications | Details |
| Thalassemia | It is a genetic blood disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin production and anemia |
| Haemophilia | It is a genetic bleeding disorder that hinders the blood’s clotting ability. |
| Sickle cell disease | It is a genetic blood disorder involving abnormal hemoglobin, causing misshapen red blood cells. |
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