Proposal: One UDID for All Departments in India

A Unified Framework for Disability Identity and Benefits

Objective:

To mandate the universal acceptance and integration of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card as a single, valid document for all government departments, institutions, and services across India — under the principle of “One UDID for All.”


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Background:

The Unique Disability ID (UDID) project was launched by the Government of India to create a national database for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and issue a unique digital ID. While the system has gained traction, many departments still require separate certifications or re-verification, creating hurdles for PwDs.

There is an urgent need for a central policy directive to enforce cross-departmental acceptance of UDID.


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Proposal:

1. Legal Mandate:
Amend or issue a central directive (via the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Department of Personnel & Training) making UDID a legally accepted document for all disability-related approvals, reservations, and benefits.


2. Departmental Integration:
Mandate integration of the UDID portal with:

Indian Railways concession portal

Educational scholarship platforms

Government job application systems

State social welfare schemes

Public transport authorities

Housing and pension boards



3. Real-Time Verification APIs:
Develop and distribute UDID verification APIs to all departments, enabling real-time data fetch via UDID number or QR code.


4. Digital Accessibility:
Promote UDID storage and display via DigiLocker, mAadhaar, and government apps for seamless use.


5. Awareness and Training:
Launch a national awareness campaign and conduct training workshops for department staff to recognize and use UDID as the single valid proof.


6. Monitoring Mechanism:
Set up a central dashboard to track:

Number of departments integrated

Number of UDID-based benefit applications

Feedback from PwDs and grievance redressals





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Expected Outcomes:

Elimination of repetitive certification

Faster and uniform benefit delivery

Real-time tracking of scheme usage

Nationwide portability of disability identity

Reduced bureaucratic barriers for PwDs



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Conclusion:

The One UDID for All initiative will uphold the spirit of “Accessible India” (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) by making governance inclusive, transparent, and efficient. With strong inter-ministerial coordination and political will, India can set a global example in digital disability inclusion.