Low Coverage of Unique Disability ID (UDID) Cards Hinders Access to Benefits
Data reveals that less than 40% of India's projected population of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have been issued a Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card. This card is essential for accessing government benefits, including the ADIP scheme for assistive devices and reservations in jobs and education. Delays in processing applications (over 60% pending for more than six months) and digital literacy barriers are primary reasons for low coverage. States like West Bengal show extremely low coverage (6%), while Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra perform better. The lack of updated census data further complicates accurate targeting and resource allocation.
Key Points
- The UDID card is a national database for PwDs implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
- It enables access to schemes like ADIP (Assistance to Persons with Disabilities) for wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prostheses.
- Digital literacy and the shift to online applications have excluded many PwDs who cannot navigate digital interfaces.
- Political neglect is cited as a reason for the slow implementation of disability rights and ID issuance.
Exam Facts
- Less than 40% coverage of UDID cards nationally
- ADIP scheme (Assistance to Persons with Disabilities)
- 2.68 crore PwDs as per 2011 Census
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