Blind Community Denied Justice: Telangana Govt Faces Flak for Failing to Appoint Independent Commissioner for PwDs

The Telangana State Government is facing mounting criticism from disability rights groups for its continued failure to appoint an Independent State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, as mandated under Section 79(1) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

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The Act clearly states that every state must appoint an independent Commissioner to ensure justice and effective implementation of disability rights — a provision that remains unfulfilled in Telangana even after seven years.

Instead of appointing an Independent State Commissioner with judicial powers, the government has Given additional charge to the Director Disabled Welfare, a serving government employee already handling multiple executive responsibilities. Disability rights activists say this is against natural justice, as the Commissioner role is Quasi judicial and demands complete independence and impartiality.

Speaking on behalf of the Blind Commnity, Mr.Ponugoti Chokka Rao, Vice-President of All India Confederation of the Blind (Delhi & Hyderabad), and Mr.Gaddam Anjaiah, President, Development & Welfare Association of the Blind, Telangana, alleged that the Government has ignored their multiple appeals and representations on the matter.