The Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is urging states to expedite the implementation of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) scheme for Persons With Disabilities (PwD) across 75 districts. These districts have been handpicked by the Rural Development Ministry as part of their 90-day campaign, which falls under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative; a program celebrating unsung heroes of India’s independence struggle. The campaign’s overarching goal is a 100% coverage of 17 Central schemes within these 75 districts, with the UDID programme forming a crucial part.
What is the Unique Disability ID?
The UDID project operates with the primary objective of compiling a National Database for PwDs. This includes issuing each person with a disability a Unique Disability Identity Card. The aim is to facilitate the PwDs in acquiring the new UDID card / Disability Certificate so that they can gain access to schemes and benefits rolled out by the Government through its various ministries and their respective departments.
Significance of the UDID project
Aside from promoting transparency, efficiency, and ease in provision of government benefits to persons with disabilities, the UDID project also seeks to maintain uniformity. It helps in streamlining the tracking of both physical and financial progress of beneficiaries at all levels of hierarchy of implementation. This encompasses village, block, district, state, and national levels.
Understanding Disability
Disability refers to any restriction or inability to perform an activity normally or within the range considered typical for humans, which arise from impairment. It constitutes a significant public health issue particularly in developing nations like India. To raise awareness on matters pertaining to disability, the United Nations has designated December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. According to a recent report by the National Statistics Office, approximately 2.2% of India’s population grapples with some kind of physical or mental disability. In 2016, the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 in India.
Schemes Related to Disability
Several schemes have been introduced in India to cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. These include the Accessible India Campaign aimed at creating an accessible environment for PwDs, Assistance to Disabled Persons scheme for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP), DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities, Unique Disability Identification Project, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and the National Mental Health Programme. All these are targeted towards enhancing the quality of life for disabled persons in the country and facilitating their full participation in society.
