Chandigarh, August 23: The Punjab government has directed all departments to exempt visually impaired and physically disabled employees from night duty, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said on Saturday.
According to the minister, fresh instructions have been issued to heads of government departments ensuring that no disabled employee is assigned night shifts.
Dr. Kaur said the decision followed representations from associations of differently abled employees. “During recent meetings, they raised that night duty creates serious difficulties for visually impaired and physically challenged staff. This step has been taken with compassion and for the welfare of employees,” she noted.
She further said that the move aligns with provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. “As per Section 3 and Section 20 of the Act, orders have already been given to ensure a barrier-free and convenient working environment for Divyang employees in government offices,” the minister added.
