Vacant since January: Nagaland seeks disability commissioner again

DIMAPUR — The post of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, a key position responsible for monitoring the implementation of disability rights in Nagaland, has remained vacant since January 2025.

After the initial recruitment effort failed to draw the required number of eligible applicants, the Social Welfare department has issued a fresh advertisement, renewing the search for a suitable candidate.

According to information provided by both the office of the State Commissioner and the Social Welfare department, the Secretary and Administrative Head of Department (AHOD) of the Social Welfare department is holding additional charge of the post until a full-time commissioner is appointed.

The department confirmed that the recruitment process has been initiated and that a fresh advertisement was issued in two local dailies on November 13, with the last date for applications set for December 15.

The post was first advertised on March 6, 2025, but only one application was received. This could not be considered because it did not fulfil Chapter XIV Rule 81(2) of the Nagaland Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2019, which requires a Search-cum-Selection Committee to recommend a panel of three suitable candidates to the state government.

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With fewer than three eligible applicants, the process could not proceed, prompting the need for re-advertisement. No additional procedural challenges were cited by the department.

Officials noted that the post demands high levels of qualification and experience, which may have contributed to the limited response earlier this year.

Under Section 80 of the Nagaland Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2019, a candidate must be a graduate with at least twenty years of experience in a Group A or equivalent position. This experience must be in central or state government, public sector undertakings, semi-government or autonomous bodies dealing with disability or the social sector, or as a senior functionary in a registered organisation working in disability or social development.

At least three years of this experience, in the recent past, must specifically relate to the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

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Candidates must also have special knowledge or practical experience relating to disability rights, empowerment and rehabilitation. They must not have attained sixty years of age as of January 1 of the recruitment year.

Applicants currently in government service are required to retire before taking up the post. The advertisement published on November 13 includes all these requirements and invites applications to be submitted to the Director of Social Welfare.

The department said that the new commissioner will be appointed “very soon” after all formalities are completed.

The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is the statutory authority responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 across Nagaland. The office also handles complaints, ensures accessibility compliance, and works with various departments to address policy gaps affecting persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Koma Chang, a parent from Chümoukedima whose twin sons have cerebral palsy, said the prolonged vacancy could “set the state back by a lot” at a time when awareness on disability rights is still low.

He said the absence of a full-time commissioner affects already limited access to services, as even basic processes such as obtaining Aadhaar cards, Unique Disability IDs (UDIDs) and disability pensions remain out of reach for many.

“These are the most fundamental documents for our children, yet so many families still struggle to get them. Without a commissioner, there is no one at the government level pushing these issues forward,” he maintained.

(This report is facilitated by the LIC HFL Sarthak)