Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bhim Singh in Rajya Sabha on Friday (March 13, 2026) called for the need to set up a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, as opposed to the commissionerate system that is currently in place to “effectively address” the issues of persons with disabilities and protect their rights in the country.

Follow the Parliament Budget session highlights from March 13, 2026

During a special mention in Rajya Sabha, MP Bhim Singh said that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, provided for the appointment of a Chief Commissioner for PwDs and two Associate Commissioners. “However, this system needs to be further strengthened,” he said, adding that this system alone was insufficient to address the wide-ranging challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Dr. Singh went on to suggest that a full-time National Commission should be established, which could work with the States to “perform important functions such as policy formulation, monitoring effective implementation of schemes, making budgetary recommendations, and making necessary legislative suggestions”.

The MP added that the architecture of such a proposed National Commission should be similar to other National Commissions, have “independent powers” and have regional offices to ensure accessibility.

Dr. Singh also appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in bringing “respect and empowerment” for PwDs across the country, but added, “The time has come to transform his work into a permanent institutional framework.”