the Central Government hereby appoints 01st day of June 2021 as the date from which the certificate of disability will only be granted on Unique Disability Identity Card Portal

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Disability Certification Process **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), concerning changes to the disability certification process. The notification, dated May 5th, 2021, announces that, starting June 1st, 2021, disability certificates will *only* be granted through the Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) Portal. This amendment aims to streamline the disability certification process by centralizing it through the UDID portal. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of an amendment to the disability certification process in India, based solely on the provided government notification (S.O. 1736(E)). The report outlines the policy change, its implications, and potential impacts. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the existing "Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017," specifically Rule 18. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective of this amendment is to mandate the use of the Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) Portal (http:www.swavlambancard.gov.in) for all disability certificate issuance. The intention seems to be to digitize and centralize the disability certification process. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely seeks to address inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the previous disability certification system. It is reasonable to infer that the central government intends to standardize disability certification procedures, enhance data management, and improve accessibility through the UDID portal. The shift may aim to reduce fraudulent certifications and ease access to benefits for persons with disabilities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces a significant change to the disability certification process: * **Specific part of original policy being changed:** Sub-rule 5 of Rule 18 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017. * **New rule/provision:** Effective June 1st, 2021, disability certificates will *only* be granted through the Unique Disability Identity Card Portal (http:www.swavlambancard.gov.in). Competent medical authorities, as notified by the States and Union Territories, are responsible for issuing certificates through this portal. * **Effect of this change:** Previously, disability certificates could likely be issued through other means. This change mandates the UDID portal as the *sole* platform for disability certificate issuance. This will require all medical authorities and applicants to utilize the UDID portal for the certification process. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy change include: * Persons with disabilities seeking disability certificates. * Competent medical authorities responsible for issuing disability certificates in States and Union Territories. * State and Union Territory governments responsible for notifying the competent medical authorities. * The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of the UDID portal. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (specifically the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities) is the overall responsible body. State and Union Territory governments are responsible for notifying competent medical authorities. Competent medical authorities are responsible for issuing certificates via the UDID portal. * **Timelines or procedures:** The key timeline specified is June 1st, 2021, from which date the new rule takes effect. The notification doesn't specify the procedures medical authorities or applicants must follow to use the UDID portal, but it can be assumed that guidance and training materials will be available on the portal itself. * **Implementation specific to the changes**: State and UTs must ensure their notified medical authorities are trained and equipped to use the UDID portal by June 1st, 2021. Applicants must now familiarize themselves with the UDID portal and apply through it. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these changes include: * **Standardized certification process:** A uniform and consistent approach to disability certification across the country. * **Improved data management:** Centralized data collection and analysis of disability statistics. * **Increased accessibility:** Easier access to disability certificates and related services for persons with disabilities through the online portal. * **Reduced fraudulent certifications:** Enhanced verification and authentication of disability certificates through the UDID system. * **Greater efficiency**: Streamlining the application and approval process, potentially reducing wait times. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a significant step towards modernizing and standardizing the disability certification process in India. By mandating the use of the Unique Disability Identity Card Portal, the government aims to improve accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in the certification process, ultimately benefiting persons with disabilities and relevant stakeholders. The industry is advised to monitor the UDID Portal to access resources and adapt processes in accordance with the provisions of this notification.

Key Entities Referenced