The Delhi government issued an important notification on February 3rd 2025 regarding the issuance of disability certificates under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The notification, outlines a significant change in the process for individuals seeking a disability certificate in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
In the notification, the Government of Delhi, exercising its powers under the relevant sections of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Central Act 49 of 2016), has designated the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of NCT of Delhi, as the Appellate Authority. This means that the DGHS will now serve as the body for resolving disputes or appeals related to the decisions made by the Certifying Authority when issuing disability certificates in the region.
Key Details:
- Legal Framework: The designation comes under the purview of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which is aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities, ensuring their rights, and facilitating their access to necessary services.
- Authority’s Role: The Director General of Health Services will handle appeals related to disability certificate issuance, providing an opportunity for applicants to challenge decisions made by the Certifying Authority if they believe their applications were unjustly rejected or if there were issues with the certificate issuance process.
- Applicability in Delhi: This new framework will apply exclusively to the National Capital Territory of Delhi, ensuring that residents have a clear and structured process for contesting decisions about their disability status.
This move is part of the Delhi government’s continued efforts to streamline processes for persons with disabilities and ensure that they receive the appropriate support and recognition. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, passed by the Government of India, is a key legislation aimed at enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities, and this development further strengthens its implementation.
Impact:
This new appellate process will offer greater transparency and fairness for those in the NCT of Delhi seeking a disability certificate, allowing them to challenge any decisions made by the Certifying Authority. It is expected to reduce bottlenecks in the certification process and ensure that individuals with disabilities are not unfairly denied recognition of their condition.
For individuals who are impacted by this law, it is important to understand that the Director General of Health Services is now the designated body to handle appeals. This brings greater clarity to the appeals process and ensures that the rights of people with disabilities are respected and upheld at the local level.
