Gold Medalist Suvarna Raj Appointed Delhi State Commissioner for PwDs
Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu appoints Asian Para Games gold medalist Suvarna Raj as State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
In a move to bring athletic excellence and lived experience to governance, Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu has appointed ace para-athlete and Asian Para Games 2026 gold medalist Suvarna Raj as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities for Delhi. The appointment comes after a rigorous selection process aimed at filling a critical vacancy in the administration.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The appointment of Suvarna Raj was the culmination of a detailed search process. The LG made the final selection from a panel of three candidates who were recommended by a Search-cum-Selection Committee. This committee was formed under Rule 42(3) of the Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2018.
The high-level committee was led by the Chief Secretary and included several key officials:
- Additional Chief Secretary (Social Welfare)
- Principal Secretary (Education)
- Divisional Commissioner (Revenue)
- Secretary (Health & Family Welfare)
The Journey to the Appointment
The position of State Commissioner had been vacant since the previous office holder completed their tenure. Interestingly, an initial attempt to fill the role in 2024 had ended without any candidate being selected. To ensure a transparent and wide-reaching search, fresh applications were invited in July 2026 via advertisements in national and state newspapers across English, Hindi, and various vernacular languages.
The Social Welfare Department received 18 applications, out of which an Internal Scrutiny Committee found 15 candidates eligible based on their qualifications, experience, and the specific criteria outlined in the advertisement.
The Final Evaluation
On August 20, 2026, the Selection Committee conducted individual interactions with 13 of the eligible candidates. The candidates were evaluated on several critical parameters, including:
- Professional experience and educational qualifications.
- Knowledge and understanding of the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
- Administrative capabilities and overall suitability for the role.
Following these deliberations, the committee unanimously proposed a panel of three names to the LG, confirming that the entire process adhered to statutory provisions and the terms of the advertisement.
Role and Tenure of the State Commissioner
The appointment is governed by Section 79 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates the State Government to appoint a State Commissioner. According to the Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2018, the role is a full-time commitment.
Suvarna Raj will serve a term of three years from the date of assuming office, or until reaching the age of 65, whichever occurs first, subject to the maximum tenure allowed under the existing rules.