Shillong, Sept 23: Persons with disabilities have threatened to file a petition in court if the Meghalaya government fails to implement the 4 percent job reservation as mandated by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

This was expressed by a delegation of the Federation of Persons with Disabilities after they met Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla and sought his intervention into the matter on Monday.

The FPwD comprises of the Meghalaya Deaf Association, Khasi Disabilities Association, All Meghalaya Association of Persons with Disabilities, Meghalaya Liberation of Visually Impaired and Garo Hills Association of the Deaf.

Speaking to reporters, president of KDA, Starwin Kharjana said the delegation has demanded from the state government to fully implement the 4 percent job reservation for PwDs.

He said the federation has also requested the government to identify of posts for PwDs and appoint one member member in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and in all the 11 District Selection Committees to look after the job appointment for PwDs.

The government should also take initiative to insist private sectors in the state to consider appointment of disabled persons in their respective fields.

“We would be compelled to file a public interest litigation if the state government fails to implement the 4 percent job reservation,” Kharjana said.

Kharjana said that the minister has assured the delegation that he would look into the matter. “The minister told us that necessary instructions will be given to the DSCs to implement the Act,” he said.