Author(s): Rahul Pawaria, Dr. Manjeet Kumar

Abstract: The enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, signaled a watershed moment in India's legislative approach to disability, transitioning from a charity-based medical model to a human-rights-based framework. This paper critically examines the implementation and impact of this legislative mandate within the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), the administrative and structural backbone of the Government of India. Through a comprehensive policy analysis and review of secondary data, this study assesses how statutory provisions such as "Reasonable Accommodation", non-discrimination, and reservation in promotions influence the occupational wellbeing of CSS officers. Occupational wellbeing is evaluated through a multidimensional lens: physical accessibility, professional growth, and psychological safety. Findings indicate that while significant physical and digital milestones have been achieved via the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan and the transition to the e-Office ecosystem, systemic bottlenecks and institutional ableism persist. The paper concludes with targeted policy recommendations for the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to bridge the gap between policy intent and workplace reality, fostering a genuinely inclusive bureaucratic culture.

Keywords: Central Secretariat Service (CSS), Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD Act), Occupational Wellbeing, Reasonable Accommodation, Inclusive Bureaucracy, Institutional Ableism

Article Info: Received: 18 Jan 2026; Received in revised form: 20 Feb 2026; Accepted: 23 Feb 2026; Available online: 28 Feb 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.111.72