EXTRAORDINARY

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

No.1968, CUTTACK, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018/KARTIKA 1, 1940

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY & EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH

DISABILITIES

NOTIFICATION

The 3rd October, 2018

No.7631–SSEPD-DA4-DA-0003/2018/SSEPD.— In exercise of the powers

conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 21 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,

2016, and in pursuance of rule 8 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017, the

Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) do

hereby make the following Equal Opportunity Policy for Persons with Disabilities

(PwDs):—

1. BACKGROUND:

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 (49 of 2016) defines and

safeguards the Rights and Entitlements of PwDs and establishes a mechanism for

ensuring their empowerment and inclusion into the society. Responsibility has been cast

upon the appropriate authorities to take effective measures to ensure that the PwDs enjoy

their rights equally with others. It stipulates designation of special courts at the district level

for fast tracking cases of atrocities against PwDs under the Act.

Resolution No. 7140/ SSEPD., dated 5th September 2017, on Reservation and

other concessions for the PwDs in various posts or services under State Government or

Public Sector undertakings provides for relaxations and concessions for PwDs.

2. OBJECTIVES:

This Department/ Establishment aims to create equal employment opportunities

such that all employees work in an environment which is accessible and no one suffers

discrimination, restriction or exclusion in order to enable them to achieve their full potential.

This policy is known as the equal employment opportunity policy of the SSEPD

Department. It is applicable for all establishments functioning under the Department of

SSEPD.

The equal opportunity policy of SSEPD Department is notified as under and sent to

the office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Odisha for the

purpose of its registration as required under the provisions laid down in sub-section (2) of

Section 21 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

3. POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the policy of this Department to provide equal employment opportunities,

without any discrimination on the grounds of age, colour disability, marital status,

nationality, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation. This Department will strive to maintain a

work environment that is free from any harassment based on above considerations. The

equal opportunity policy is subject to applicable regulations, qualifications and merit of the

individual.

4. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR PwDs:

In accordance with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,

2016 and Rules, it is the policy of this Department to ensure that the work environment is

free from any discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. Further, this Department will

take all actions to ensure that a conducive environment is provided to Persons with

Disabilities to perform their role and excel in the same.

The Department will build systems and processes to ensure:

(a) That appropriate facilities and amenities are provided to persons with disabilities

to enable them to effectively discharge their duties in the establishment.

(b) That provision is made for an accessible environment and assistive devices as

required.

designated to oversee the provision of required facilities/ amenities to the PwDs.

Such liaison officer shall be reporting to the Director, SSEPD.

(d) That a grievance redressal mechanism for addressing the complaints related to

the employment of persons with disabilities is available and an officer is

designated as Grievance Redressal Officer.

(e) The Department will ensure that wherever any grievance arises concerning

selection of PwDs for any position, training, promotion, transfer, posting, level

and preference in accommodation allocation or otherwise, the same is brought

up to the Grievance Redressal Officer and is dealt with in a fair and equitable

manner without any discrimination.

(f) That no opportunity is denied to persons with disabilities, merely on ground of

disabilities. Individuals with disabilities having any grievance or any other person

on their behalf may submit the grievance to the Grievance Redressal Officer. Any

information obtained in this regard will be kept confidential, and will be used in

accordance with applicable laws. Refusal to provide information relating to the

grievance by PwD employee or applicant on his behalf will not subject to any

adverse treatment. Employees and applicants will be protected from coercion,

interference, discrimination for filling a complaint or assisting in an investigation

under the RPwD Act.

5. RESPONSIBILITY:

(a) Every officer of the Department and Establishments thereunder is responsible for

giving effect to this policy.

(b) This Department/ Establishment is responsible for obtaining and utilizing up-to-

date information regarding applicable laws and regulations.

implementing all programs for the benefit of PwDs, and reporting progress to this

Department to ensure compliance with the RPwD Act and Rules thereunder.

(d) Any employee who violates this policy, or discriminates with any persons with

disabilities, or causes any harassment to such person shall be dealt in

accordance with law.

(e) The Grievance Redressal Officer of this Department/ Establishment is

accountable to the Director, SSEPD to oversee and promote this policy.

6. POLICY PUBLICITY:

(a) The policy will be brought to the notice of all employees through the Department/

Establishment websites and usual communication modes.

(b) This Policy will be included in the Department/ Establishment publications and

training courses.

indicate that this Department/ Establishments thereunder is an equal opportunity

employer.

By Order of the Governor

NITEN CHANDRA

Principal Secretary to Government

Printed and published by the Director, Printing, Stationery and Publication, Odisha, Cuttack-10

Ex. Gaz. 1445-173+20