Jaipur: The chief commissioner for persons with disabilities has issued a fresh notice to Union department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, giving it 10 days to submit an action taken report on measures to prevent fake disability certificates in Rajasthan and other states, and warning that non-compliance could invite action under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.The commissioner’s office held that the department violated Sections 76 and 93 of the Act by failing to submit the mandatory compliance report within the stipulated period despite a recommendation issued in May 2024.The notice follows an order dated May 30, 2024, on a complaint filed by Hemant Bhai Goel, national president of Federation of Disabled Rights, Jaipur, alleging irregularities in disability certificates and denial of benefits to eligible persons with disabilities.The commissioner’s court had recommended that the department explore checks on the UDID portal to detect duplicate and fraudulent certificates and coordinate with the Union health ministry and state govts to prevent their issuance. It also called for criminal cases wherever prima facie evidence of fake certificates was found.The department was asked 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 meant for persons with benchmark disabilities. It was also directed to ask state govts and central govt hospitals not to demand documents beyond those prescribed on the UDID portal, including bank details, caste certificates and educational certificates.Goel’s complaint cited alleged inconsistencies in certificates issued to the same person by different medical officers, unnecessary documentation requirements, and delays in issuance. It also flagged demands for different certificate formats despite their nationwide validity.
