Public service moves to strengthen disability inclusion

DODOMA: PUBLIC servants with disabilities are set to benefit from strengthened workplace protections and more inclusive working environment as the government moves to reinforce implementation of employment policies and guidelines across public institutions.

Deputy Minister in the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ms Regina Qwaray, told the National Assembly yesterday while responding to a basic question from Special Seats MP Stella Alex (CCM), who sought to know the progress made in implementing employment and workplace guidelines for persons with disabilities in public institutions.

Ms Qwaray said the government will continue strengthening implementation frameworks through awareness creation, enforcement of disability-friendly infrastructure and promotion of safe and enabling working conditions within the Public Service.

“The government will continue laying strong foundations for implementation of policies, laws and guidelines concerning public servants with disabilities,” she stressed.

ALSO READ: UNDP calls on Tanzania to bolster economic resilience amid global economic shocks

She said that the Public Service Management and Employment Policy, Second Edition of 2008, together with the Persons with Disabilities Act, Chapter 183, provides legal provisions on employment and workplace environment for persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors.

The Deputy Minister said that the government has already undertaken several measures to operationalise the provisions, including enactment of the 2022 Public Service Regulations and the 2021 Recruitment Secretariat Operational Regulations.

She noted that the government had also prepared the 2008 Guidelines on Services for Public Servants with Disabilities aimed at ensuring equal opportunities and improved welfare at workplaces.

Ms Qwaray further said persons with disabilities are given special consideration during recruitment and interview processes, including provision of supportive services, accessible interview rooms and disability-friendly equipment depending on the nature of their disabilities.

“Through these arrangements, persons with disabilities are given priority. Even in recruitment system, opportunities are provided to persons with disabilities participating in competitive employment processes, in line with the Public Service employment policy which emphasises equal opportunities without discrimination,” she insisted.

She said candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum qualifying marks during interviews are accorded priority in recruitment.

Ms Qwaray further said that the government remains committed to building an inclusive public service that guarantees equal participation and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of physical challenges.