The chief commissioner for persons with disabilities has given the Union department of empowerment of persons with disabilities 10 days to submit an action-taken report on measures to prevent fake disability certificates in Rajasthan and other states, warning that non-compliance could invite action under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
According to a report by the Times of India, the notice follows an earlier order dated May 30, 2024, issued on a complaint filed by Hemant Bhai Goel, national president of the Federation of Disabled Rights in Jaipur. The complaint alleged irregularities in disability certificates, delays in issuance and denial of benefits to eligible persons with disabilities.
The commissioner’s office said the Union department had failed to submit a mandatory compliance report within the stipulated period despite the recommendation made in May 2024. The office held that the department had violated Sections 76 and 93 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act by not providing the report.
The earlier proceedings had recommended using checks on the Unique Disability ID, or UDID, portal to identify duplicate and fraudulent certificates. The commissioner’s court also asked the Union department to coordinate with the Union health ministry and state governments to prevent the issuance of irregular certificates.
The complaint cited alleged inconsistencies in certificates issued to the same person by different medical officers. It also raised concerns about eligible applicants being asked to submit documents beyond those prescribed on the UDID portal, including bank details, caste certificates and educational certificates.
The commissioner’s directions stated that state governments and central government hospitals should not demand documents outside the requirements specified on the UDID platform. The complaint also flagged demands for different certificate formats even though disability certificates are intended to have nationwide validity.
The notice further called for criminal cases wherever there is prima facie evidence of fake certificates. It directed the department to publicise Section 91 of the Act, which provides for imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both, for fraudulently obtaining benefits intended for persons with benchmark disabilities.
The dispute places two administrative concerns together: preventing fraudulent access to benefits while ensuring that eligible persons are not subjected to additional paperwork or delays. The commissioner’s directions seek to use the national digital identification system for verification while requiring government hospitals and state authorities to follow a common documentation process.
The Union department has been asked to submit its action-taken report within 10 days. The notice indicates that failure to comply may lead to further action under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
