Why in the news?

  • Less than 40% of estimated PwDs have obtained UDID cards, affecting the penetration of governmental schemes into the needy population.

Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card

  • What is it?:
    • The scheme aims to create a national database of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and issue a Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) valid across India.
    • Aligns with Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016– recognition of 21 categories of disabilities.
  • Launch: Pilot in 2014 and full-scale rollout in 2016.
  • Nodal Ministry: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
  • Objectives:
    • Create a national database of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
    • Issue Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards valid across India.
    • Ensure uniformity in disability certification across States/UTs.
    • Facilitate portability of ID and entitlements across states.
    • Streamline benefits delivery (scholarships, assistive devices, pensions, reservations, skill development, etc.)
  • Features of the Scheme:
    • Smart Card with unique 18-digit ID number.
    • Application Process: Online, single-window for disability certification & UDID card.
    • Validity:
      • Permanent for lifelong disabilities.
      • Renewable for temporary disabilities.
    • Database Utility: Helps policymakers plan, monitor, and implement disability-related schemes.
    • Integration: Linked with Aadhaar for authentication, but distinct as disability-specific ID.
  • Current Status:
    • Coverage: Less than 40% PwDs have UDID cards (as of 2025).
    • Best Performing States: Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Meghalaya (>50%).
    • Lagging States: West Bengal (~6%), high pendency in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Mizoram.
  • Challenges:
    • Digital divide: Online-only application excludes many PwDs.
    • Low awareness among rural/semi-urban PwDs.
    • Administrative delays: Nearly 11 lakh pending applications, many >6 months.
    • Declining budgetary allocations for UDID sub-scheme.
    • Exclusion risk: If UDID is made mandatory, many PwDs may be denied benefits.
  • Way Forward:
    • Hybrid model: Allow offline and online application modes.
    • Awareness drives: Panchayat-level, community-based mobilisation.
    • Faster Processing: District-level monitoring, timelines for certification.
    • Convergence: Link UDID with Aadhaar & DBT for seamless benefit transfer.
    • Budgetary Support: Enhanced, dedicated allocation for UDID scheme.
    • Digital Literacy: Training for PwDs and caregivers to use the platform.