Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 13: The State’s Department of Divyang Welfare has cancelled the registrations of as many as 900 disability welfare institutions over the past 13 years for functioning in violation of rules, with action taken against 363 organisations in the last one year alone. Secretary Tukaram Munde has warned that strict action will continue against erring institutions.

Of the deregistered disability welfare institutions, those that had received grants from the State government are now likely to come under scrutiny regarding how the funds were utilised. Irregularities committed during the period in which they availed government aid may also be investigated.

Munde took charge as Secretary of the department in August 2025, and most of the 363 cancellations were carried out during his tenure. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, it is mandatory for institutions working for persons with disabilities in the State to register with the Divyang Welfare Commissioner.

Institutions currently working in the disability sector or those intending to do so must complete registration with the Commissionerate by February 28, 2026, through the official portal https://divyangkalyan.maharashtra.gov.in/. Munde clarified that action will be initiated under Section 91 of the Act against institutions that fail to register within the stipulated deadline.

He stated that proper registration would ensure empowerment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities through these institutions, while safeguarding their rights and preventing any violation of entitlements. The department will ensure that justice is delivered to beneficiaries and that their legal protections are upheld.

Explaining the reasons for cancellation, officials said several institutions had shown inflated student numbers on record, while the actual number of students was significantly lower. Many failed to provide legally mandated facilities and benefits to persons with disabilities, though such compliance was shown on paper.

There were also instances of blatant violations of laws governing disability institutions. In some cases, employees were not paid salaries as per rules, even as the institutions allegedly drew salary grants from the government. Internal disputes within management boards also adversely affected the institutions and their staff.

Munde reiterated that institutions found operating in violation of norms will continue to face disqualification. “If the objectives for which registration was granted are not being fulfilled, disqualification is inevitable. Institutions operating without registration will be shut down,” he said.