Maharashtra Govt Launches Blanket Disability Certificate Re‑Verification, Sparking Worker Protest

Maharashtra Govt Launches Blanket Disability Certificate Re‑Verification, Sparking Worker Protest

In a decisive move aimed at rooting out bogus disability certificates, the Maharashtra government has ordered a blanket re‑verification of all state and semi‑government employees who are entitled to disability‑based reservations, promotions, or concessions. The directive, issued in October, mandates every department to assess the validity of each employee’s disability status and the accompanying document or Unique Disability ID (UDID) within three months. The announcement has triggered protests across Mumbai, with many disabled workers expressing concerns over intrusive procedures and potential discrimination.

Background

Earlier this year, a wave of complaints about forged or exaggerated disability certificates came to light, positioning Maharashtra as the latest state grappling with integrity in public service. High‑profile cases, such as that of Pooja Khedkar—a former state official found to possess an inflated disability certificate—have intensified public scrutiny. According to a report from the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, 1,264 suspicious certificates were flagged between January and July 2025, prompting calls for tighter verification protocols.

Past reforms introduced a UDID system in 2024, hoping to streamline identification and prevent fraud. However, loopholes persisted: many employees continued to rely on outdated certificates, while the UDID registry itself lagged in coverage. The latest resolution, therefore, seeks to synchronize verification with the UDID framework and eliminate reliance on antiquated paperwork.

Key Developments

Under the Resolution (GR) of October, the following actions have been prescribed:

• Scope – All government and semi‑government employees with disability‑based reservations, promotions, or concessions are included. The threshold for reservation remains at 40% disability.
• Verification Body – Departments must refer employees to the same multi‑specialist medical boards employed during recruitment phases. In practice, this often means visits to the four BMC‑run medical colleges or similar institutions.
• Timeframe – Each department must submit a comprehensive report on verification outcomes within three months from the date of notification.
• Documentation – Employees must provide their current disability certificate or, where available, the UDID card. Failure to supply updated documentation may result in administrative action or denial of reservation benefits.
• Appeal Process – Employees who believe the verification is unjustly punitive can file a review request under the Departmental Ethics Committee within 30 days of receipt of the verification summons.

While the resolution lacks granular procedural specifics, it has already prompted departments such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to issue formal letters demanding re‑examinations. Some BMC employees, despite holding valid UDIDs, were summoned for re‑verification, raising eyebrows both within bureaucratic circles and among disability advocates.

Impact Analysis

For disabled workers, the blanket re‑verification is seen as a double‑edged sword. On one hand, it promises a cleaner system; on the other, it creates additional bureaucratic and logistical burdens:

• Invasive Testing – Many workers report that they will undergo multiple specialist consultations unrelated to their specific disability, leading to “severe scrutiny and invasive tests.”
• Accessibility Gaps – Hospitals and medical boards often lack disability‑friendly infrastructure. A survey by the National Association of Working Disabled Persons (NAWDP) found 57% of facilities in Maharashtra have inaccessible lifts and examination rooms.
• Psychological Impact – The sense of being universally suspected of fraud has led to reports of anxiety and diminished trust in the system. The Mumbai Disability Forum cites a rise of 32% in stress‑related complaints among the affected staff.

For international students and professionals, the implications are equally far‑reaching. Many aspiring scholars and interns from abroad rely on disability certificates to secure accommodations, exam exemptions, or vocational placements. With the new policy tightening verification, institutions may scrutinize foreign applicants more rigorously, potentially affecting admission decisions or scholarship allocations. Moreover, students planning to join state‑sponsored research projects would need to ensure their certificates align with the UDID system.

Expert Insights and Tips

Tukaram Mundhe, Secretary of the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Welfare Department, explains, “The re‑verification is not punitive but preventive. It ensures that only genuine cases receive benefits, aligning us with the UDID scheme for uniformity.” However, he added, “Even with a valid UDID, authorities may review certificates if substantial doubts arise.”

Dr. Satendra Singh, head of Doctors with Disabilities in Delhi, penned a letter to Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighting procedural concerns. He advises:

• Maintain an updated electronic health record linking all relevant tests, diagnoses, and treatment histories.
• Secure a **National Disability ID** (NDI) if not already obtained; the UDID system is gradually phasing out older registers.
• Register with your state’s medical board at least six months before the verification deadline to avoid procedural delays.
• Keep copies of all certificates, test reports, and physician attestations in a secure digital format, preferably in a government‑approved cloud storage.

Human Resources specialists, citing the disability certificate verification Maharashtra policy, advise employers to:

1. Embed a **verification timeline** within HR onboarding manuals.
2. Appoint a **dedicated compliance officer** to oversee re‑verification reporting.
3. Use an online portal that syncs with the UDID database, thus reducing manual paperwork.
4. Offer **transportation assistance** for disabled employees traveling to medical boards.

International students should note that their host institutions may require an updated disability certificate within 60 days of arrival, especially if they plan to partake in state‑funded internship schemes. Proactively establishing a connection with the UDID portal early can prevent late‑arrival bottlenecks.

Looking Ahead

As the state continues to roll out verification, several developments are on the horizon:

• Digital Dashboard – The Department of Personnel is slated to launch a real‑time dashboard in Q3 2026, allowing employees to upload documents and track verification status online.
• Potential penalties for repeated verification failures could be introduced, with fines up to ₹5,000 per infraction, as suggested by the Insurance Regulatory Office.
• Integration of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system with education board databases, ensuring that students’ disability status is verified automatically during admissions.
• Approval of a **Special Committee** under the Chief Minister’s Office specifically tasked with mediating disputes arising from re‑verification.

Stakeholders anticipate that, by the end of 2027, all state employees and affiliated institutions will be fully compliant with the UDID‑based verification framework. The policy aims not only to curb fraud but to strengthen confidence in public service, create a fairer work environment, and signal Maharashtra’s commitment to inclusive employment.

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