Reservation and Employment — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, the strategy for 'Reservation and Employment for Persons with Disabilities' must focus on factual accuracy and key legislative details. Vyyuha recommends aspirants prioritize the following: (1) Acts and Sections: Memorize the full name and year of the RPwD Act 2016, and specifically Section 34 (reservation percentage and categories), Section 2(y) (reasonable accommodation), and Section 89 (penalties).

Understand the key differences between the 1995 and 2016 Acts (e.g., 3% vs 4% reservation, 7 vs 21 disabilities). (2) Percentages and Categories: Clearly recall the 4% reservation and its specific 1% breakdown for different benchmark disability categories.

Be aware of the 21 specified disabilities. (3) Key Concepts: Understand definitions of 'benchmark disability', 'reasonable accommodation', 'horizontal reservation', and 'cadre strength'. (4) Landmark Judgments: Know the names and core outcomes of cases like *Union of India v.

National Federation of the Blind* (2013) and *Siddaraju v. State of Karnataka* (2020), especially their impact on reservation in promotion. (5) Constitutional Articles: Link the policy to Articles 14, 16, 21, and 41.

(6) Schemes and Initiatives: Be aware of flagship programs like the UDID project, Accessible India Campaign, and recent skill development schemes (e.g., Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas Yojana). (7) Bodies: Know the roles of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) and State Commissioners (SCPDs).

Practice MCQs that test these specific details, paying close attention to numerical values, specific terms, and the exact wording of legal provisions. Trap options often involve mixing up percentages, Act years, or misrepresenting the scope of provisions.