Key Highlights
- 4 % of all General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) units are now earmarked for persons with disabilities.
- The reservation spans all central government grades, from Assistant Section Officer to Director.
- Valid proof is the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, issued under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
- Disabled applicants receive priority placement on the unified waiting list during each monthly online bidding round.
- The quota covers houses up to Type V in the GPRA hierarchy.
Detailed Insights
Policy Context. The move aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which mandates a 4 % reservation in public employment and education.
Current GPRA Landscape. The Directorate of Estates maintains roughly 102 000 residential allotments spread across 355 estates in 61 Indian cities, yet waiting times for ASO‑level officials can reach 15–18 years.
Objectives of the Quota. The reservation seeks to strengthen social inclusion, reduce the housing crisis that forces disabled officials into hostels, and uplift the dignity and participation of this workforce.
Implementation Mechanism. Once a UDID‑held applicant registers, they are placed at the top of the monthly bidding list for the next cycle, ensuring faster access to an available unit within the 4 % allocation.
Key Concepts
- GPRA (General Pool Residential Accommodation) – A centralized housing program that supplies residence units to government employees at various grades.
- RPWD Act (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016) – Legislation that sets affirmative action mandates, including the 4 % reservation for disabled persons.
- UDID (Unique Disability ID) – A government‑issued identity card that certifies an individual's disability status for verification purposes.
- Reservation Quota – A legally sanctioned percentage of positions or resources reserved for a specific group.
- Unified Waiting List – A single, centralized list used during online bidding to determine priority for housing allocation.