Hyderabad: Justice Surepalli Nanda of Telangana high court on Monday sought to know from the state govt within a week as to why it did not appoint an independent commissioner for looking after affairs of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The judge was dealing with a petition filed by All India Confederation of the Blind (AICB) and Development and Welfare Association of the Blind (DWAB), which contended that it was imperative for the govt to appoint an independent state commissioner as envisaged in section 79(1) of Rights of Persons with disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Petitioners’ counsel Sahithi Sri Kavya Mukkera contended that the govt has failed to fulfil its statutory obligation under the Act to appoint a state commissioner for PwDs. The state govt in GO No.13 (dated 15.07.2017) designated director of welfare of disabled and senior citizens to perform the functions of the state commissioner. “This dual responsibility creates a significant conflict of interest,” she said.
Moreover, this arrangement cannot let the director function without fear and favour towards the state as he is a govt servant and will be subservient to the govt, Sahithi said.
Despite repeated representations to successive govts, no meaningful steps have been taken to appoint an independent state commissioner, leaving the rights of PwDs inadequately protected. “There is a need for immediate action to uphold the statutory and constitutional rights of PwDs and ensure justice and equity for this vulnerable group,” she said.
