Kiran Bedi seeks job quota for parents of autistic kids

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot on Saturday said that the reservation for persons with disability (PwD) in employment has been increased from 3 to 4%, with 1% reservation set aside for autistic candidates.

He was speaking at the 25th anniversary meeting of the Karnataka Parents' Association for Mentally Retarded Citizens.

There are 21 recognised disabilities in all and they have been divided into four categories, with each category getting 1% reservation, Gehlot explained. One category has been created for candidates with Autism, Thallasemia, Cerebral Palsy, mental illnesses.

"Many objected saying that candidates with autism should not be given reservation because they would create disturbances in offices. But, if we want to bring them into the mainstream society, this is important. The reservation has come into effect from April and I urge people to make use of it," Gehlot said.

He claimed that since the BJP government came to power at the Centre, eight lakh PwD have received benefits worth Rs 500 crore.

Lt Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi, who was at the event, requested Gehlot that parents who look after children with autism should also be given 1% reservation in employment.