Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The All India State Commissioners’ Meet 2025 was held on the opening day of International Purple Fest 2025, bringing together State Commissioners from across India under the leadership of the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD). The annual meet, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, focused on strengthening national coordination, reinforcing statutory responsibilities, and advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Themed “Strengthening Inclusive Frameworks through Collaborative Governance and Rights-based Mechanisms,” the event highlighted inclusive governance, accessibility, and evidence-based policymaking.
The inaugural session was graced by Subhash Phal Desai, Minister for Social Welfare, Goa; Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment; Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of PwDs; and Dr. S. Govindaraj, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Desai emphasized that inclusion is not charity, but a movement of justice, empowerment, and smart governance. “Persons with disabilities are equal partners in society—professionals, entrepreneurs, and contributors shaping nation-building. Our policies must ensure dignity, independence, and recognition for every Divyangjan,” he said.
Dr. Virendra Kumar reinforced the need for proactive action beyond legislation. “Our goal is to provide justice, security, and equal opportunities, empowering persons with disabilities to participate fully in society,” he stated.
Dr. Govindaraj described the meet as a platform to translate dialogue into practical action, uniting government officials, NGOs, and media representatives to create tangible benefits for Divyangjans nationwide.
Across sessions, participants discussed strengthening the Sugamya App, enhancing legal enforcement, improving inter-departmental coordination, inclusive education, child protection, and data-driven policymaking. Emphasis was placed on standardized data collection, Census integration, and uniform indicators to track outcomes in accessibility, education, livelihood, and infrastructure.
Panelists included officials from CCPD’s Digital Governance, Legal Affairs, and Data Divisions, along with State Commissioners from across India. The meet concluded with a national roadmap for disability inclusion, prioritizing digital accessibility, legal enforcement, child rights, and evidence-based action, setting a benchmark for transforming policy into practice.
