Karnataka's UDID Implementation Lags Behind: Only 46% Issued as of December 2022

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report reveals that only 46% of differently abled persons in Karnataka have received UDID cards by December 2022. The report criticizes the slow implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and highlights issues like lack of infrastructure, data, and equitable distribution of funds for PwDs.

According to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in the Legislative Assembly, only 46 per cent of differently abled persons in Karnataka were issued Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities (UDID) cards as of December 2022.

The report, which audits the performance of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, noted that Karnataka's UDID project began in April 2019 but has been sluggish. UDID cards not only help track disability assessments but also aid in accessing various schemes for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Karnataka has 13.24 lakh PwDs, 4.94 per cent of the country's total.

The CAG highlighted several issues, including the state government's delay in notifying the Karnataka Persons with Disability Rules and the lack of a comprehensive survey to identify all disabilities. Additionally, a lack of designated CSR policies has led to limited infrastructural enhancements in special schools outside Bengaluru. The report also pointed out poor data management and tracking systems, failing to ensure compliance with stipulated reservations and accessible infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)