The Maharashtra government has received complaints against 719 employees for allegedly using fake disability certificates to avail benefits under various schemes, Minister Atul Save informed the legislative assembly on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI.
The divyang welfare minister said that verification of disability certificates has been made mandatory following directions issued by the Centre and the state department, and strict action will be taken in case of irregularities.
“The government has received complaints against as many as 719 government employees for allegedly using fake disability certificates to avail benefits under various schemes,” he said while responding to a question raised by NCP (SP) MLA Bapu Pathare, reported PTI.
Save said that complaints were filed against 78 employees in Satara, 46 in Pune and 26 in Latur.
“In Pune district, 21 employees have been suspended from their posts for submitting fake certificates, and two were removed in Nandurbar,” he informed the House.
As per government instructions, employees whose certificates are found to be fake or whose disability is assessed at less than 40 per cent will face action under Section 11 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, along with disciplinary proceedings, reported PTI.
The minister said that a government resolution issued on October 9 directed all departments to complete verification of disability certificates and submit detailed reports within three months, by January 8, 2026, reported PTI.
So far, complaints related to fake UDID certificates have been received against 719 employees, and the concerned departments have been instructed to verify the cases and initiate action as per rules, he said.
Only those with benchmark disabilities of 40 per cent or more are eligible to avail benefits such as reservation in government jobs, promotions and other schemes, the minister added.
Oppn leaders stage protest on Vidhan Bhavan steps over farmers` issues
Meanwhile, Opposition members staged a protest on the steps of the Vidhan Bhawan in Nagpur on Tuesday, the second day of the Maharashtra assembly`s winter session, demanding a complete loan waiver for farmers.
Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Congress`s Vijay Wadettiwar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray, NCP (SP) Shashikant Shinde, among others, gathered on the steps of the Vidhan Bhawan and raised slogans.
Opposition leaders accused the government of delaying the purchase of soyabean, which resulted in farmers selling the produce at Rs 4,000, well below the MSP of Rs 5,328.
They demanded a complete loan waiver for cultivators, who had suffered losses.
(With inputs from PTI)
