The Karnataka government has released the draft Karnataka Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Employment and Education Bill, 2025, proposing major reforms to improve workplace and academic inclusion for persons with disabilities. A key highlight is a mandatory 5 percent reservation in private establishments with 20 or more employees, along with a 10 percent reservation across all courses in educational institutions.
Published in the official gazette on November 21, the draft bill seeks to align the state’s framework with international standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
5% Job Quota, Reasonable Accommodation and Penalties
Under the proposal, private companies must reserve 5 percent of sanctioned posts—covering direct recruitment and regularised posts—for persons with disabilities. Employers will be required to allocate posts across disability categories based on a formula set by the State Regulatory Authority, with annual compliance reports becoming mandatory. Any unfilled positions may be carried forward for up to three recruitment cycles, while exemptions will apply only if essential job duties are not feasible despite reasonable accommodation.
The bill warns of stringent penalties for non-compliance, including fines from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh and public disclosure of defaulters. Fraudulent disability claims could lead to fines up to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment up to two years. It also encourages compliance through procurement incentives and certification.
It prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotions, training or workplace conditions and directs employers to provide aids, flexible work arrangements and infrastructure modifications. The bill states:
“If an employer denies accommodation citing undue hardship, reasons must be given in writing and may be reviewed by the proposed State Regulatory Authority. Disability-related information may be disclosed only with informed consent except when required for safety or legal compliance. Employees acquiring disabilities cannot be demoted or terminated and must be reassigned or placed in a supernumerary post.”
10% Reservation in Education and Accessibility Targets
Educational institutions will be required to fill 10 percent of seats in every course with students with disabilities and ensure accessibility during admissions, classes and examinations. Provisions include time extensions, scribes and alternate question papers, alongside digital and physical accessibility. Institutes must develop Accessibility and Inclusion Plans within six months and achieve full accessibility in five years. Students will receive benefits such as five-year age relaxation and 5% cut-off relaxation, and educational loans are expected to be made accessible at concessional rates with simplified paperwork.
A State Regulatory Authority and State Enforcement Authority will oversee compliance, conduct audits, adjudicate complaints and award compensation. Institutions and organisations must appoint trained grievance officers and provide multiple accessible complaint channels.
The government has invited public objections and suggestions within 30 days, addressed to the Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Vikasa Soudha, Bengaluru.