EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF EXAMINATION FEE AND APPLICATION FEE IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WITH BENCHMARK DISABILITIES - DOPT ORDER

No.36035/2/2017 -Estt.(Res)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

OFFICE MEMORANDUM
North Block, New Delhi

Dated: August 23, 2019

Subject: Exemption from payment of examination fee and application fee in respect of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. -reg.

           The undersigned is directed to say that in a w.P. (Civil) No. 521/2008 with Civil Appeal No. 5389/2016, the Hon'ble Supreme Court, vide Judgment, dated 30.06.2016, inter alia, declared the Office Memorandum No. 36035/3/2004 - Estt.(Res) dated 29.12.2005, as illegal and in consistence with the Persons with Disability (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. This OM, among other, contained a provision for exemption from payment of application fee and examination fee in respect of Persons with Disabilities.

          Thereafter, with the enactment of 'THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016' and issue of notification titled 'THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES RULES, 2017', this Department has issued an Office Memorandum No. 36035/2/2017-Estt. (Res), dated 15.01.2018, regarding reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, in the posts and services of the Central Government. The said Office Memorandum dated 15.01.2018, however, does not contain any provision for exemption from payment of examination and application fee in respect of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

          The issue has been deliberated upon at length in the Department and it has, now, been decided that the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities shall continue to be exempted from payment of application fee and examination fee, prescribed in respect of competitive examinations held by the Staff Selection Commission, the Union Public Service Commission, etc. for recruitment to various posts. This exemption shall be available only to such persons who would otherwise be eligible for appointment to the post on the basis of standards of medical fitness prescribed for that post (including any concession specifically extended to the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) and who enclose with the application form, necessary certificate from a competent authority in support of their claim of disability.

(Debabrata Das)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Ph. 23093307To,