Differently-abled employee alleges discrimination by DDA

A Delhi government official today alleged that DDA "relieved" him of his duties within a day of his appointment as a Director of Public Relations on the grounds of his "disability", a charge denied by the land-owing agency.

The differently-abled official, Rishi Raj Bhati, has been sent back to his parent department -- Delhi Transco -- and has claimed that he was "selected" for the post as he fulfilled all the eligibility criteria.

"But, soon after joining DDA, I was told by an official that I was not suitable for the job because of my condition," Bhati alleged, adding, "the DDA should have put up in their advertisement that persons with disability should not apply."
 

Bhati said he had joined DDA on January 10 and was relieved of his duties the next day.

A senior DDA official, when contacted, said, "This is a wrong allegation. We do not discriminate with anyone on the basis of anything, including physical conditions."

"Bhati was sent back not because of his physical condition but because of the lack of job's suitability. If someone did not fit the job requirement and is sent back that doesn't mean he has been discriminated against," he claimed.

Bhati said he had not imagined in his "wildest dreams" that even after possessing "nine degrees" in various disciplines (including a doctorate in journalism and mass communication) and after a service of 26 years in different capacities with government, he would "face discrimination on the ground of physical disability."

"I had applied for the vacancy (DDA PR [Director]) and I was selected and asked to join in two months time. In Delhi Transco Limited I have been performing similar duties for the last 16 years with efficiency and to the satisfaction of various authorities in the government. This is reflected in my annual performance appraisals," he said.

"But, DDA thinks that I am not suitable because of my disability and hence reverted me back to my parent department," he claimed.

DDA's Personnel Branch in the relieving report of Bhati says, "...The post of director (PR) in DDA, by nature, involves field works, in which the officer may have to be present at various sites of DDA -- like demolition sites, DDA parks, and DDA sports complexes...This involves extensive outdoor duties."

"... Continuance of Rishi Raj Bhati to the post of Director (PR) in the DDA may put him in probable inconveniance and may not be the interest of DDA also, keeping in view the nature of duties attached to the post," it said.