Jharkhand Becomes First State To Abolish Percentage System For Disability Certificates; Check New Rules, How To Apply For UDID Card

The Jharkhand government has taken a historic step towards upholding the rights of persons with disabilities by announcing the complete elimination of the percentage-based category system for disability certificates.

According to Jharkhand’s Health Minister, Dr Irfan Ansari, the state has become the first in the country to implement this change. moving forward, all persons with disabilities—whether their disability is assessed at 10 per cent, 20 per cent, or 50 per cent—will be considered under a single category and granted equal rights.

Following this announcement, the process for obtaining a disability certificate has been streamlined and made more accessible to ensure applicants can easily avail themselves of government schemes.

Guide To Obtaining A Disability Certificate

The central government has issued detailed guidelines to simplify the issuance of certificates. Below is the comprehensive process, timeline, and requirements for applicants.

1. How to Apply

Applicants may choose between online and offline methods:

Online Application: Interested individuals can apply through the central Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal at www.swavalambancard.gov.in.

Offline Application: Applicants may also submit physical application forms to the relevant authorities.

2. Required Documents

The following documents must be attached to the application:

- Proof of Residence.

- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs.

- Note: The face must be clearly visible; it is not necessary to display the disability in the photo.

- Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrolment number.

- Note: If the applicant provides an Aadhaar enrolment number, no other proof of residence is required.

3. Issuing Authority

- The disability certificate will be issued by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the District Medical Officer, or any other notified competent authority located in the applicant's district or block (prakhand) of residence.

4. Verification Process And Timeline

The medical authority will verify the submitted information and assess the disability based on state government guidelines.

- Issuance Time: The certificate will be issued within one month from the date the application is received.

- Rejection: If an applicant is found ineligible, the medical authority must provide the reasons for rejection in writing (under Form-8) within one month of receiving the application.

- Referrals: If a specific specialist is unavailable at the block-level hospital, the Medical Officer must forward the application to the district level within 15 days.

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5. Provision For Appeal

If an applicant is dissatisfied with the decision made by the issuing authority, they have the right to appeal.

- Filing an Appeal: The appeal must be filed with the state-appointed appellate authority within 90 days of the decision.

- Resolution: The appellate authority is mandated to resolve the appeal within 60 days of receiving it.

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These new rules are expected to significantly reduce the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring a smoother process for obtaining necessary documentation.