TNI Bureau: In a major relief for persons with disabilities in Odisha, the state government has issued strict directions to stop unnecessary repeated verification of disability certificates during recruitment for government jobs and admission to educational institutions.

The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has circulated fresh guidelines to all departments, clearly stating that no “blanket” or mass re-verification of disability certificates will be allowed anymore.

The move follows directions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which observed that in several cases, persons with disabilities were being forced to undergo repeated medical examinations despite already possessing valid certificates. This was reportedly happening in violation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on October 15, 2025, causing mental, financial, and administrative hardship to genuine beneficiaries.

According to the NHRC, such repeated verification was affecting the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities and creating unnecessary barriers in accessing jobs, education, and welfare benefits.

Under the new directive, verification will be carried out only in cases where there is a genuine doubt regarding the authenticity of a certificate. Routine or collective re-checking of certificates has been strictly prohibited.

The order, issued by Additional Secretary Sonia Behera, directs all departments to strictly follow the revised SOP of October 15, 2025. The government has emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive their entitled opportunities and benefits without facing avoidable harassment or delays.

District Collectors and District Social Security Officers have also been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the new rules across the state.