News

Volume 2 Issue 22 - November 15, 2004

5% seats now reserved for disabled people in Nepal Civil Services

DNIS News Network - The policy of 5 per cent reservations in Nepal's Civil Services for disabled people is a major achievement.

As a result of strong lobbying with the central government authorities, National Federation of Disabled, Nepal (NFDN), has been able to initiate important policy changes regarding the employment of people with disabilities in the country.

According to a recently approved roadmap of governance reform policy, 5 per cent of positions in Nepal's civil services will be reserved for disabled people.

The NFDN has been lobbying with central government authorities for employment of disabled people in Nepal. In this regard, NFDN has entered into an agreement with Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare.

It aims to empower people with disabilities and increase their participation in social, political, economic and gender-related activities. Its objectives are to raise awareness among politicians, policy-makers, experts and community members for the rights and interests of people with disabilities ; to help organise and uplift disabled people, especially women and children; and to promote relationships among individuals, member organisations and NGOs working for the cause of disability.

The NFDN has also succeeded in ensuring 50 per cent discount on airfare for persons with disabilities and their attendants throughout the country. These changes are part of a new air policy which is being drafted.