In an attempt to tighten the process for obtaining disability certificates, the Union government of India recently published draft amendments to the Rules of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
The draft, released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, proposes stricter documentation requirements, the exclusive role of medical authorities in processing applications, and a longer processing time.
These amendments have sparked concern among disability rights activists, who fear they may create additional hurdles for genuine applicants without effectively curbing the issue of fake disability certificates.
Key Proposed Changes
Identity Proof and Aadhaar Requirement: The new rules would mandate proof of identity, including Aadhaar, for all applicants. Additionally, applicants must submit a recent photograph, not older than six months.
Medical Authority Oversight: Only certified medical authorities will be allowed to process disability certificate applications, standardizing this across all regions.
Longer Processing Time: The time for processing disability certificates will be increased from one month to three months, which could lead to delays for applicants.
Colour-Coded UDID Cards: The government has proposed the introduction of colour-coded Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards. The cards will be divided into three categories:
White for less than 40% disability
Yellow for 40% to 80% disability
Blue for more than 80% disability
Application Lapse: A new clause would make applications “inactive” if a medical authority cannot decide on the case within two years, requiring the applicant to either reapply or reactivate the process.
Concerns from the Disability Sector
Activists argue that the proposed changes will do little to solve the issue of fake certificates, which stems from systemic corruption.
Instead, the new requirements could create unnecessary barriers for genuine applicants, adding to the complexity of the application process.
For instance, V. Muralidharan, a member of the National Platform of the Rights of the Disabled, criticized the colour-coded UDID cards, expressing concerns that this could lead to further discrimination, especially against those with “invisible” disabilities like mental illness.
Additionally, the proposed extension of processing time for certificates has also raised red flags, with applicants already experiencing long delays in receiving their UDID cards.
Impact on People with Disabilities
The changes could disproportionately affect genuine applicants, particularly those with invisible or mental disabilities, who might face additional scrutiny and delays.
While the goal of the amendments is to improve the integrity of the system, the proposed norms risk adding new hurdles to an already complex process.
Conclusion
While the government’s intention to tighten the rules on disability certificates aims to prevent misuse, the proposed changes have sparked concerns about accessibility and efficiency.
Activists are urging the government to reconsider certain aspects of the draft amendments to avoid making the process more difficult for genuine applicants.
The public has 30 days to submit feedback on the proposed amendments, providing an opportunity for dialogue and potential revisions.
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