Bhopal June 15, 2026

A courtesy call at Raj Bhavan turned into a meaningful discussion on the lives of people often left behind. When Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Dr Ajay Khemariya met Governor Mangubhai Patel, the conversation focused on improving support for persons with disabilities and addressing the challenges faced by Sahariya tribal families in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr Ajay Khemariya, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, called on Governor Mangubhai Patel on Monday. But the meeting was not limited to formal greetings. It brought attention to people who often remain on the margins — persons with disabilities living in remote areas and children from the Sahariya tribal community.

During the interaction, Dr Khemariya briefed the Governor on initiatives being taken for persons with disabilities in Madhya Pradesh. He shared details of efforts being made in state prisons and welfare programmes being coordinated through the Commissioner's office. A major proposal discussed during the meeting was the plan to organise special outreach camps in 89 tribal development blocks across the state. The initiative is expected to be carried out in coordination with the National Health Mission and the Panchayat and Rural Development Department.

The idea is to take services to people instead of waiting for people to travel long distances in search of help. In many tribal areas, persons with disabilities face multiple challenges. Access to healthcare, rehabilitation services and government welfare schemes often remains limited. The proposed camps are expected to identify beneficiaries and connect them with support systems closer to their homes.

The discussion also focused on the Sahariya tribe, one of the country's most vulnerable tribal communities. Large populations of Sahariya families live in parts of Sheopur and Shivpuri districts, where issues related to malnutrition, healthcare and education continue to be a concern.

Dr Khemariya highlighted the need for sustained intervention in these areas. The Governor listened carefully and offered several suggestions aimed at strengthening institutional and community participation. He stressed the importance of focused efforts in education, health and nutrition. He also underlined the need for social organisations and government agencies to work together to ensure that welfare programmes reach the intended beneficiaries.

Officials described the meeting as a meaningful exchange on issues that directly affect the lives of thousands of families. During the interaction, Dr Khemariya shared updates on ongoing activities and proposals linked to the Commissioner's office. The discussion also touched upon matters concerning tribal regions of the state.