Bhopal April 24, 2026. In a move aimed at strengthening welfare measures for persons with disabilities, the Madhya Pradesh government has initiated steps to formulate a comprehensive State Disability Policy, acting on a proposal sent by the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

The process began after Commissioner Dr. Ajay Khemariya wrote to Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, highlighting the need for a unified policy framework. In his letter, the Commissioner noted that nearly one million people in the state are living with disabilities—a number expected to rise—and emphasized that existing welfare efforts are currently implemented through separate departmental rules, leading to fragmented outcomes.

Dr Khemariya pointed out that while various departments follow provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the absence of a single, coordinated policy limits the overall effectiveness of these initiatives. The Commissioner urged the state government to formulate an integrated disability policy similar to those in place for women and children, to ensure better coordination and impact.

Responding to the proposal, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment Madhya Pradesh issued an official directive from Bhopal on April 23, 2026, urging/instructing the Commissioner’s office to begin drafting a unified State Disability Policy. The directive, issued following a departmental meeting held on April 13, 2026, calls for consolidation of all disability-related initiatives, including provisions under the 2016 Act, state and centrally sponsored schemes, rehabilitation programs, and welfare measures, into a single framework. Importantly, the department has emphasized a consultative approach in the policy-making process. It has directed officials to engage with civil society organizations, subject experts, stakeholders, and representatives of the disabled community to ensure the policy reflects practical needs and ground realities.

Officials said the proposed policy aims to streamline implementation, improve coordination among departments, and ensure efficient delivery of benefits to persons with disabilities across the state. The development signals the state government’s intent to move toward a more structured and inclusive governance model, with the proposed policy expected to play a key role in enhancing support systems for persons with disabilities in Madhya Pradesh.