Maharashtra Govt Forces Disability‑Eligible Employees Through New Re‑Verification Drive

Maharashtra Gov‑t Forces Disability‑Eligible Employees Through New Re‑Verification Drive

Lead paragraph

The Maharashtra state government has issued a sweeping directive ordering fresh disability certificate verification for all employees who currently benefit from disability‑based reservations, promotions or concessions. Under the new resolution, departments must confirm the validity of each personnel’s Unique Disability ID (UDID) and submit a compliance report within three months. The move, intended to curb bogus certificates, has sparked protests from long‑serving disabled staff and raised concerns over potential harassment.

Background/Context

In recent months, Maharashtra authorities received a surge of complaints alleging that several individuals were presenting forged or inflated disability certificates to obtain government benefits. High‑profile cases, such as that of Pooja Khedkar, have amplified calls for tighter vetting processes. To address these allegations, the state legislature passed a resolution (GR) in October mandating every department to re‑verify all disability certificates and certify them through the government’s UDID system, which uniquely identifies individuals with disabilities across the state.

Earlier verification procedures involved a multi‑specialist medical board assembled at recruitment; the new mandate does not specify a new method, so many departments are returning to the same boards. This lack of clarity has raised confusion and frustration among employees, many of whom fear that the renewed scrutiny may be viewed as undue suspicion.

Key Developments

Under the new order:

• All departments must conduct a comprehensive UDID check for every employee currently enjoying disability‑based benefits.
• A report detailing compliance is due within three months from the date the resolution was issued.
• Verification channels are left to the discretion of individual departments; most are using the traditional multi‑specialist boards.
• The threshold for reservation remains at 40% disability, but the resolution emphasizes the need to transition all records to the UDID system to prevent future discrepancies.

While the resolution was intended to streamline verification, it has also drawn criticism. BMC officials, for instance, have already issued letters to employees requesting re‑examinations. A doctor from one of the BMC‑run medical colleges noted that “a person with a certain disability will have to face severe scrutiny and invasive tests by a doctor who has nothing to do with their disability under the medical board all over again.”

Similarly, a colleague with nearly 70% disability, who also holds a valid UDID, received a summons. “Even if we accept this and go for re‑verification, a disabled individual will have to move from one hospital to another for different specialists,” the doctor added, highlighting the lack of disabled‑friendly infrastructure in many hospitals.

The PWD Welfare Department Secretary, Tukaram Mundhe, said the re‑verification is necessary “to root out bogus certificates and transition all to the UDID system.” He added that the process was already extended by a year in 2024. “But even if a person has a valid UDID, appointing authorities can re‑verify if they have any doubts,” Mundhe clarified.

Dr Satendra Singh, head of Doctors with Disabilities in Delhi, has also voiced concerns, sending a letter to State Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal that underscores potential overreach. BMC employees argue that the exercise is “effectively a blanket re‑examination,” suggesting a targeted approach focusing only on employees with suspected fraud.

As of now, the exact number of state and BMC employees affected remains undisclosed, but estimates suggest several thousand may undergo this re‑verification process.

Impact Analysis

**Impact on Disabled Employees:**

• Potential **administrative delays** as departments compile reports.
• Risk of **psychological stress** due to repeated medical scrutiny.
• Possible **inconvenience** for employees living in remote areas if medical boards are not accessible.
• Concerns over **privacy** and data handling under the UDID system.

**Impact on International Students and Professionals with Disabilities:**

• Students planning to join Indian institutions may face additional **credential verification** if they apply for disability‑based scholarships or reservations.
• Those already trained in India’s UDID-registered hospitals will need to ensure their records are up to date to avoid delays in employment or academic advancement.
• Foreign professionals considering jobs in Maharashtra must now verify that their disability certificates are recognized by the UDID system to qualify for reserved positions.

**Broader Employment Landscape:**

• Government departments may experience a surge in **verification queries**, potentially leading to backlogs.
• Private employers will need to follow similar guidelines if they wish to maintain inclusive hiring practices aligned with state policies.

Expert Insights/Tips

For Disabled Employees and Applicants:

• Verify that your UDID is **current** and accessible via the state portal. If not, contact your department’s HR to update it.
• Keep a **digital copy** of your original medical records and verification emails. A backup can ease the re‑verification process.
• If you are located in a distant city, request a **virtual consultation** where possible, or seek local NGOs that facilitate access to disability‑friendly hospitals.
• Maintain an updated **contact list** of doctors who specialize in your disability type to expedite the multi‑specialist board meetings.

For International Students:

• Check with the university’s disability services office whether your foreign certificate can be converted into a UDID‑approved format.
• If you are applying for scholarships or reserved seats that rely on UDID verification, submit **earlier** to avoid processing delays.
• Consult a local NGO (e.g., Doctors with Disabilities) for guidance on meeting state compliance standards.

According to experts, proactively updating documentation and establishing open communication with HR departments are the most effective ways to navigate the new policy.

Looking Ahead

The Maharashtra government’s UDID‑based re‑verification drive is a first step toward a more transparent, technology‑driven system. However, the policy’s implementation phase will likely expose gaps in infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Stakeholders anticipate further policy refinements, including:

• Standardization of **verification procedures** across all departments to avoid duplicated efforts.
• Investment in **disabled‑friendly medical infrastructure** to ease the burden on affected employees.
• Integration of **AI‑enabled screening tools** that can flag inconsistencies without human bias.
• Regular audits and public reporting to build trust among the disability community.

As states across India revisit disability certification protocols, the Maharashtra model may serve as a benchmark. Stakeholders, including the disability community, NGOs, and policymakers, will need to collaborate closely to ensure that the system balances fraud prevention with fairness and dignity for those it aims to protect.

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