The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Madhya Pradesh, has issued fresh directions to all district administrations to expedite the process of issuing disability certificates and Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards to eligible persons with disabilities across the state. The directive comes in response to reports indicating a large number of pending applications and delays in the certification process in several districts.

The Madhya Pradesh Commissioner for Persons with Disability Dr Ajay Khemariya, in an official communique issued to district collectors has requested to ensure that Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) and Civil Surgeons immediately address pending cases related to disability certification. The department has stressed that obtaining a disability certificate is a legal right of every eligible person with disabilities and any delay in issuing the certificate hampers their ability to access welfare schemes and statutory benefits.

The directive also emphasizes that the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card system, launched by the Government of India through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), was designed to streamline the process of identification and certification of persons with disabilities. The UDID initiative aims to create a national database for persons with disabilities, simplify documentation procedures and ensure transparency and efficiency in the delivery of benefits and services. Under the UDID framework, disability certificates and identity cards are expected to be issued within 90 days of the submission of a complete application along with required medical documentation. However, reports from various districts in Madhya Pradesh suggest that the processing time has exceeded the stipulated period in many cases. In some instances, applicants have reportedly been waiting for over six months for their certificates. According to estimates, thousands of applications remain pending across the state. In Jabalpur district alone, more than 5,000 applications for disability certificates and UDID cards are reportedly awaiting processing. Similar backlogs have been reported in other districts as well, raising concerns about the administrative and medical capacity required to process the growing number of applications. Officials have identified a shortage of specialist doctors as one of the key reasons behind the delays. The certification process requires medical assessment by specialists depending on the nature of the disability—such as orthopaedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, neurologists, psychiatrists or ENT specialists. In many district hospitals and medical boards, the limited availability of such specialists has slowed down the verification process, resulting in a backlog of applications.

The Commissioner has therefore directed district collectors to closely monitor the certification process and ensure that district hospitals conduct regular medical boards to assess applicants. CMHOs and Civil Surgeons have been instructed to prioritize pending cases and ensure that eligible applicants receive their disability certificates within the prescribed time frame. The communication further reiterates that the disability certificate and UDID card serve as crucial documents enabling persons with disabilities to access a wide range of government welfare schemes, social security programmes and legal protections. Without these documents, beneficiaries often face difficulties in availing themselves of essential services and benefits intended for their welfare.

The Department has also cautioned that any obstruction or unnecessary delay in providing disability certification could attract action under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Under Section 89 of the Act, any person who intentionally insults, intimidates or denies rights guaranteed to persons with disabilities may face penalties, including fines and legal proceedings. District authorities have therefore been asked to treat the matter with urgency and ensure full compliance with the provisions of the law. The Government of India, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), implements a wide range of schemes and programmes aimed at improving the quality of life and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. These initiatives are designed to promote equal opportunities, accessibility, education, employment and independent living for persons with disabilities.

Among the major initiatives is the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase or Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme, which provides assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, artificial limbs, tricycles and other mobility aids to eligible beneficiaries. These devices help persons with disabilities improve mobility, communication and overall independence. The government also provides financial support through various social security schemes, including disability pensions for eligible individuals. These pensions offer monthly financial assistance to persons with disabilities who may not have stable sources of income, helping them meet their daily needs. In the field of education, several programmes are aimed at promoting inclusive learning opportunities for children and students with disabilities. Scholarships are provided under different schemes to support students with disabilities at school, college and higher education levels. These scholarships help cover expenses related to tuition, study materials and accommodation, encouraging greater participation of persons with disabilities in mainstream education.

Another important initiative is the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), which seeks to improve accessibility in public buildings, transportation systems and digital platforms. The campaign aims to create a barrier-free environment that allows persons with disabilities to participate fully in social, economic and cultural life. The government also supports skill development and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through vocational training programmes and employment assistance schemes. Various training centres and institutions provide skill-based courses tailored to the abilities and interests of persons with disabilities, helping them gain employment or pursue self-employment opportunities. Additionally, the UDID card itself serves multiple purposes beyond identification. It enables persons with disabilities to access benefits across states without the need to carry multiple documents. The digital database associated with the UDID system also helps authorities plan better policies and programmes based on accurate data about the disabled population.

Commissioner in Madhya Pradesh has reiterated that timely issuance of disability certificates and UDID cards is essential for ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the benefits and support to which they are legally entitled. The state government has committed to strengthening administrative mechanisms and improving coordination between medical authorities and district administrations to address the backlog of applications. District collectors have been instructed to review pending cases on a priority basis and establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure that future applications are processed within the stipulated timeline. The department has also emphasised the need for greater awareness among eligible beneficiaries about the UDID system and the procedures for obtaining disability certification. By accelerating the certification process and improving service delivery, the government aims to ensure that persons with disabilities across Madhya Pradesh can access their rights, benefits and opportunities without unnecessary obstacles. The initiative reflects the broader commitment of both the state and central governments to empower persons with disabilities and promote their full participation in society.