Karnataka draft bill proposes 5% reservation for persons with disabilities in private jobs and 10% in education institutions.

The Karnataka government has circulated a draft, called the Karnataka Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Employment and Education Bill-2025, that promises significant reform in workplace and academic inclusion for persons with disabilities. Among the salient features, particularly noted is the mandatory 5 percent reservation in private establishments that employ 20 or more people, apart from a 10 percent reservation across all courses in educational institutions.

The draft bill, published in the official gazette on November 21, intends to bring the state's framework in line with international standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

5% Job Quota, Reasonable Accommodation and Penalties

The draft stipulates that private companies should set aside 5 per cent of the sanctioned posts in respect of direct recruitment and regularized posts for persons with disabilities. Employers are to allocate posts across the categories of disability based on a formula to be determined by the State Regulatory Authority, with annual reports on compliance becoming mandatory. Any unutilized posts can be carried forward for three recruitment cycles only, while exemptions will apply only where the essential duties of a job cannot be performed even after reasonable accommodation.

The Bill threatens severe penalty for violation, including fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh, and publicizing of defaulters. Fraudulent disability claims may attract a fine of Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment up to two years. The Bill also incentivizes compliance through procurement incentives and certification.

It forbids discrimination in hiring, promotions, training, or workplace conditions, and it calls on employers to provide aids, flexible work arrangements, and modifications in infrastructure. The bill reads:

If an employer denies accommodation for undue hardship, reasons are to be given in writing and may be reviewed by the proposed State Regulatory Authority. Information concerning a disability is not to be disclosed except with informed consent unless this is necessary for safety reasons or for compliance with law. Employees who become disabled during employment cannot be demoted or dismissed and should be transferred or placed on supernumerary posts.

10% Reservation in Education and Accessibility Targets

Accordingly, the institutions would have to fill 10 percent of seats in each course with students with disabilities and provide accessibility at the time of admission, classes, and examinations. The provisions would include time extensions, scribes, and alternate question papers besides digital and physical access. Institutes will have to draw up Accessibility and Inclusion Plans within six months and achieve full accessibility in five years. Student benefits include five-year age relaxation and 5% cut-off relaxation; educational loans are likely to be made available at concessional rates and with simplified paperwork. There shall be a State Regulatory Authority and State Enforcement Authority to ensure compliance and monitor, through audits, complaints and their adjudication, and compensation. Every institution and organization shall designate trained grievance officers and different accessible complaint channels. The government has invited public objections and suggestions within 30 days, addressed to the Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Vikasa Soudha, Bengaluru.