(a) whether the Government has formulated any specific guidelines/rules for
issuing certificate to handicaps;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether some anomalies have been found in issuing certificates to blind persons;
(d) if so, the details of representations/suggestions received in this regard; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to remove such anomalies?
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI MUKUL WASNIK)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Rules, 1996 have been amended and
simplified vide this Ministry`s notification no. 16-02/2007-DD-III dated 30.12.2009.
The amended rules enable a simplified and decentralized procedure for issue of
disability certificate. Disability certificate can now be issued by a single Doctor
in respect of obvious disabilities at the level of Primary Health Centre (PHCs)/Government
Medical Practitioner, Community health Centres and Hospitals at the Sub Divisional level.
In case of non obvious disabilities, certificate can be issued by a specialist. Only in
case of multiple disability, a multi-member Board is required. Further, Disability
Certificate is to be issued as far as possible within 7 days from the date of application
but in any case not later than one month.
State Governments have also been requested to make similar amendments in their
Persons with Disabilities Rules and notify their medical authorities accordingly.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) & (e) Do not arise.