New norms for Disability certificates

Context

The Union government recently introduced amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Rules, tightening the process for obtaining a disability certificate.

About the Changes notified

• Mandatory Proof of Identity: Individuals applying for disability certificates must now provide proof of identity.
• Only Medical Authorities Authorised: Only medical authorities are authorised to receive and process applications for disability certificates.
• Extended Processing Time: The time taken to process applications has been increased from 1 month to 3 months.
• Mandatory Use of the UDID Portal: Previously, individuals could apply for disability certificates through a medical authority notified authority in their district or government hospital where they received treatment. Now, all applications must be submitted exclusively through the UDID (Unique Disability Identity) portal.
• Inactivity Clause: If a decision on an application is not made within two years, the application will become inactive, and applicants will have to re-apply.
• Colour-Coded UDID Cards: The new system introduces white, yellow, and blue cards to denote increasing levels of disability. Blue cards are for individuals with a disability level of 80% or higher.

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