The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for persons with disabilities (PwDs) to obtain their Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards till September 30 to ensure welfare benefits continue without interruption, reported PTI.
The decision applies to beneficiaries covered under various social welfare and pension schemes implemented by the state government.
State Minister for Divyang Welfare Atul Save said the extension was granted on the initiative of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to prevent eligible beneficiaries from losing access to financial assistance, reported PTI.
Welfare Benefits To Continue Despite Absence Of UDID Cards
According to the government, persons with disabilities who were already receiving benefits under welfare schemes before April 1 will continue to receive assistance until September 30 even if they do not yet possess a UDID card, reported PTI.
However, beneficiaries must have valid medical disability certificates to continue receiving aid during the extended period.
Officials said the move was necessary because financial assistance to several beneficiaries had been stopped after the UDID card became mandatory for availing benefits under various schemes, reported PTI.
The state government said the extension would give beneficiaries additional time to complete the registration process and avoid disruption in financial support, reported PTI.
Several Pension And Assistance Schemes Covered
The Social Justice and Special Assistance Department implements multiple welfare schemes under which persons with disabilities are eligible for financial aid.
These include the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana, Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme.
Officials said the revised deadline would ensure that beneficiaries under these schemes continue receiving assistance while the process of issuing UDID cards is completed, reported PTI.
Government Directs Officials To Speed Up Registration Process
The Maharashtra government has instructed tehsildars and local authorities to coordinate with concerned departments and help beneficiaries obtain their UDID cards before the new September 30 deadline.
The administration has also directed officials to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries submit applications for UDID cards through the Swavalamban portal by June 15.
According to the government, application numbers generated through the portal must also be updated on the SAS portal to streamline records and verification processes.
Officials said district administrations have been asked to closely monitor the progress of enrolment drives to avoid delays.
Special Drives Planned To Remove Discrepancies And Fake Beneficiaries
The government has also announced a special drive to address discrepancies between Aadhaar details and information mentioned in UDID cards.
Authorities said tehsildars have been instructed to publish village-wise beneficiary lists and identify fake or ineligible recipients under welfare schemes, reported PTI.
The administration plans to organise special camps and workshops for persons with disabilities on the third Thursday of every month to assist them with registrations and documentation.
Sub-divisional officers will coordinate with concerned departments during these drives, while district collectors will conduct regular reviews of implementation.
Officials said the state government aims to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive their UDID cards on time through dedicated enrolment and verification campaigns across Maharashtra.
(With inputs from PTI)
