The bill, currently in the public consultation phase, has also mandated a 10% quota in every course in all educational institutions for students with disabilities.
The Karnataka Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Employment and Education Bill, 2025, published in the official gazette on November 21, seeks to increase protections in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, as well as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
According to the draft bill, private establishments with 20 or more employees must reserve 5% of sanctioned positions for people with disabilities, including direct recruiting and regularised positions.
The State Regulatory Authority’s formula must be used by employers to allocate reserved positions among disability groups. The quota will be implemented in phases, and yearly compliance reports are required.
The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance ranging from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 5 lakh, along with corrective measures and public disclosure of non-compliance. Additionally, fraudulent disability claims can lead to fines up to ₹ 1 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years, while compliant organisations may receive government incentives such as procurement preference and certification.
It also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations like assistive devices, flexible work arrangements and physical modifications. “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”, it read.
The new draft also mandates that all educational institutions reserve 10% of seats for students with disabilities and must provide accommodations during admissions, classes and examinations, such as extended time and scribes.
Students with disabilities would receive concessions on age and cut-off marks, and educational loans would be made accessible at concessional rates, with simplified documentation and dedicated facilitators.
